Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS· Last reviewed
If someone can still cough or speak, encourage them to cough. If they cannot breathe, cough or speak, act immediately with back blows and abdominal thrusts — seconds matter.
1. If they can cough, encourage coughing — do not interfere.
2. If choking is severe (cannot breathe/speak), call for help.
3. Give 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
4. If not cleared, give 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich): hands above the navel, pull sharply inward and upward.
5. Alternate 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until it clears.
6. If they become unresponsive, call emergency services and start CPR.
When to see a doctor urgently
For a baby under 1: use 5 back blows then 5 CHEST thrusts — NEVER abdominal thrusts
Never do a blind finger sweep (it can push the object deeper)
Anyone who received abdominal thrusts should be checked by a doctor afterwards
Call emergency services if choking is severe or the person becomes unresponsive
Babies are different. For infants under 1 year, use back blows and chest thrusts, not abdominal thrusts. This guide is not a substitute for a first-aid course. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Heimlich manoeuvre?
Abdominal thrusts: stand behind the person, place a fist just above the navel, grasp it with your other hand, and pull sharply inward and upward to expel the blockage.
How is choking first aid different for a baby?
For a baby under 1, give 5 back blows (face down along your forearm) then 5 chest thrusts with two fingers — never abdominal thrusts.
What if the person becomes unconscious?
Lower them safely, call emergency services and begin CPR, checking the mouth for the object before giving breaths.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.