Choking happens fast, and the right response in the first 60 seconds can make all the difference. Whether it’s a child who has swallowed something too big or an adult who has a piece of food caught in their airway, knowing what to do – and doing it calmly – can save a life.

How to recognise choking

With a mild (partial) blockage, the person can still cough, speak or breathe. With a severe blockage, they cannot cough effectively, cannot speak or breathe, may clutch at their throat, and may make high-pitched noises or no sound at all. Their face may turn red then blue, and they may lose consciousness if the airway isn’t cleared.

If the blockage is mild

Encourage the person to keep coughing. Coughing is the most effective way to clear a blockage. Stay with them, keep them calm, and don’t slap them on the back while they are still coughing effectively. If it doesn’t clear, call Triple Zero (000).

If the blockage is severe

Call Triple Zero (000) immediately, then act. For an adult or child over one year:

• Give up to 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand, checking after each one to see if the blockage has cleared.
• If back blows don’t work, give up to 5 chest thrusts: place one hand in the centre of the chest and give 5 sharp, separate inward and upward thrusts.
• Alternate 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the blockage clears or help arrives.

If the person becomes unconscious, lower them to the ground, call 000 if you haven’t already, and start CPR.

Choking in babies under one year

For an infant, place them face-down along your forearm with their head lower than their chest, supporting the head and neck. Give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades. Then turn them over and give up to 5 chest thrusts using two fingers in the centre of the chest. Never do abdominal thrusts on a baby. Keep alternating and call 000.

Be prepared before it happens

A choking emergency is not the time to be reading instructions for the first time. The best preparation is hands-on first aid training, refreshed regularly, so the steps become second nature. Encourage everyone at home, at work and at your club to learn these basic skills – you never know when you’ll be the one who needs them.

Source: Australian Resuscitation Council (ANZCOR) and healthdirect