What To Do When Someone Is Choking?

By Vanshika Gaur
27 May 2025, 15:00 IST

Choking is a hazard that can happen to anyone. From one year olds to adults, anyone can experience it if they eat carelessly or put objects in their mouth. Here are a few tips to follow if someone is choking. Tap to know!

Handle The Situation Quickly

When someone is choking, check if they are able to talk, cough, or breathe. If they can, encourage them to cough to remove the object.

Perform Back Blows

Give back blows by using the heel of your palm between the shoulder blades while making the choking person lean forward at the waist to help dislodge the object.

Heimlich Manoeuver

Make sure not to perform this on babies. The Heimlich manoeuver involves making a fist, placing it above the choking person’s navel and giving upward thrusts.

Perform Both Blows and Manoeuver

If back blows and heimlich manoeuver do not work individually, try using both alternatively until the object is dislodged.

Do not Sweep Fingers

When a person is choking, avoid sweeping fingers in their mouth unless the object is visible. Sweeping fingers can worsen the hazard by pushing the object deeper.

Do CPR

If the person becomes unconscious, start performing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), as it can help dislodge the object and maintain blood flow.

Information Credits

According to Pubmed, performing a heimlich manoeuver or back blows can help with choking. It is advisable to seek medical attention immediately.