Choking: what to do in the first seconds

Choking happens when a foreign object blocks the airway. A common sign is the person clutching their throat, unable to speak or cough effectively.

• If they're coughing forcefully: encourage them to keep coughing and don't intervene.
• If they can't speak or breathe (adults and children over 1 year): stand behind them and give quick inward-and-upward abdominal thrusts above the navel until the object comes out.
• For infants: alternate back blows and chest thrusts — never abdominal thrusts.
• If they become unresponsive: call EMS and start CPR immediately.

Anyone who has received abdominal thrusts should be checked by a doctor, even if they seem fine.