How to Treat a Conscious Choking Adult or Child

A choking victim can't breathe, which deprives the brain of precious oxygen. Using the following technique could save a life.

Things You'll Need

• First Aid Kits
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• First Aid Books
• First Aid Classes

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Instructions

• 1

  Look for signs of choking: clutching the throat with the hands; a high-pitched wheezing sound; no speaking, forceful coughing or breathing.

• 2

  Make sure the choking person is standing.

• 3

  Position yourself behind the choking person.

• 4

  Reach around the choking person with both hands, as if giving him or her a bear hug from behind.

• 5

  Make a fist with one hand, placing the thumb side just above the navel of the choking person.

• 6

  Grasp this hand with the other hand.

• 7

  Thrust your hands inward and upward with a quick motion.

• 8

  Continue thrusts in rapid succession until the object is dislodged and the person can breathe again.