WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE IS CHOKING

WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE IS CHOKING 

* IF THE PERSON IS COUGHING OR CAN SPEAK/BREATHE:

- DO NOT interfere.

Let them try to cough it out — this is the body’s natural way of clearing the airway.

* IF THE PERSON CAN’T BREATHE, SPEAK, OR IS TURNING BLUE: They are choking severely. Follow these steps immediately:

Step 1: Ask

“Are you choking?”

If they nod yes and can't talk, take action quickly.

Step 2: Give 5 Back Blows

-Stand to the side and slightly behind the person.

-Support their chest with one hand and bend them forward.

-Use the heel of your hand to give 5 firm back blows between their shoulder blades.

Step 3: Give 5 Abdominal Thrusts

-Stand behind them, wrap your arms around their waist.

-Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their belly button.

-Grasp your fist with the other hand and thrust inward and upward sharply.

-Do this 5 times.

Step 4: Repeat 

-Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object comes out or the person becomes unresponsive.

* IF THE PERSON BECOMES UNCONSCIOUS:

-Lower them gently to the ground.

-Call emergency services.

-Start CPR: Chest compressions can help dislodge the object.

-Check the mouth for the object between compressions — remove it only if you see it and can easily grab it