Adult & child choking
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If someone cannot speak, breathe or cough effectively, call emergency services. For a responsive adult or child, give 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts, repeating until the blockage clears or they become unresponsive. Use chest thrusts when pregnant or when you cannot encircle the abdomen.
Take it with you. Verify locally.
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In immediate danger, contact local emergency services. Current instructions for your location take priority.
Do now.
- 01
Assess the cough
If the person can cough effectively, encourage coughing and watch closely.
- 02
Call for help
Send someone to call emergency services, or use speakerphone without delaying care.
- 03
Give back blows and thrusts
Lean them forward for 5 back blows between shoulder blades, then give 5 abdominal thrusts; follow dispatcher guidance.
- 04
If unresponsive
Lower them safely and start CPR as directed. Remove only a clearly visible object; never blindly sweep the mouth.
Next steps.
Get medical assessment after thrusts or persistent symptoms. Learn separate infant choking care.
Watch for.
Do not use abdominal thrusts on an infant under one year; infant care uses back blows and chest thrusts.
Sources & context.
Original Osprey Zero summary of the references below. U.S.-based guidance unless noted; check authorities where you are. This page is not a live alert.
Updated 2026-10-02. First-aid summaries support immediate response and training; they have not received independent clinical review.