Choking can become life-threatening within minutes if a person's airway is blocked.
Signs of Severe Choking
- Unable to speak or cry out
- Unable to cough effectively
- Difficulty breathing or no breathing
- Hands clutching the throat
- Bluish lips or skin
What To Do
- Ask if the person is choking.
- If they cannot speak, cough, or breathe, call 911 or direct someone else to call.
- Deliver back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) if you are trained to do so.
- Continue until the object is expelled or emergency responders arrive.
- If the person becomes unconscious, begin CPR if trained.
What Not To Do
- Do not slap a person's back if they are coughing effectively.
- Do not put your fingers into their mouth unless you can clearly see and reach the object.
Encourage coughing whenever possible. A strong cough is often the best way to clear an airway.