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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed October 19, 2026Editorial policy
First Aid21 min read

First Aid for a Choking Adult

Published: October 19, 2026Updated: October 19, 2026

Choking occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air. Prompt recognition and correct first-aid techniques, such as back blows and abdominal thrusts, are critical to restoring normal breathing. Acting quickly can save a person's life before emergency medical services arrive.

Quick Summary

Quickly alternate between five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until the airway is clear, and begin CPR immediately if the person becomes unresponsive.

Important Medical Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers for medical concerns.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Assess the severity of the obstruction

Check if the person can speak, cough forcefully, or breathe. If they are coughing loudly and able to speak, encourage them to keep coughing, as this is the most effective way to clear a partial blockage. Do not interfere with back blows or thrusts while they are still moving adequate air.

2

Call emergency services if breathing is severely blocked

If the person cannot speak, is clutching their throat (the universal choking sign), makes high-pitched sounds, or turns blue, they have a complete airway obstruction. Immediately instruct a specific bystander to call 911 or your local emergency number. If you are alone, deliver immediate first aid before pausing to call.

Important: Do not delay physical intervention if you are the only rescuer present; act immediately to clear the airway.

3

Deliver five firm back blows

Stand slightly behind the person to one side. Support their chest with one hand and bend them forward at the waist so that the dislodged object can exit the mouth rather than slip further down. Using the heel of your other hand, deliver five distinct, forceful blows between their shoulder blades.

4

Perform five abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)

Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against the middle of their abdomen, just above the navel and well below the breastbone. Grasp your fist with your other hand and give five quick, upward and inward thrusts.

Important: Do not press on the lower edge of the ribcage or the xiphoid process, as this can cause internal organ damage or rib fractures.

5

Alternate back blows and abdominal thrusts

Continue cycling between five back blows and five abdominal thrusts without interruption. Check briefly after each cycle to see if the foreign object has been expelled. Stop if the person successfully coughs up the obstruction and begins breathing on their own.

6

Modify technique for pregnancy or severe obesity

If the choking individual is visibly pregnant or you cannot wrap your arms around their abdomen, position your hands higher up. Place your fist against the center of their breastbone (sternum), just above the lower tip. Pull straight back with quick, firm chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.

7

Initiate CPR if the person loses consciousness

If the person becomes limp or unresponsive, lower them carefully onto a firm, flat surface and shout for an automated external defibrillator (AED). Begin chest compressions immediately, providing 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Each time you open the airway to give breaths, look inside the mouth for the object; if visible and loose, remove it, but never perform blind finger sweeps.

Important: Never perform a blind finger sweep, as this can push a foreign object deeper into the airway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I start choking and I am completely alone?
Call emergency services immediately and leave the line open even if you cannot speak. Then, perform self-abdominal thrusts by making a fist above your navel, grasping it with your other hand, and thrusting inward and upward, or lean your upper abdomen firmly over a stable edge such as a chair back or countertop.
Should someone who stops choking still see a doctor?
Yes. Even if the object is successfully cleared, abdominal and chest thrusts exert significant force that can bruise internal organs or fracture ribs. Additionally, medical evaluation ensures that fragments of the object were not aspirated into the lungs.
Can I perform a blind finger sweep to retrieve an object in the throat?
No. You should only remove an object with your fingers if it is clearly visible and easily reachable. Blind finger sweeps can lodge the object deeper into the trachea or cause throat trauma.
How do I assist a choking person who is in a wheelchair?
Lock the wheelchair wheels first. Lean the person forward to perform back blows, then stand behind the chair, wrap your arms around their abdomen, and deliver abdominal or chest thrusts upward and inward.
  1. 1
    Mayo Clinic - Choking: First aidSource
  2. 2
    NHS - How to stop someone chokingSource
  3. 3
    MedlinePlus (NIH) - Choking - adult or child over 1 yearSource
  4. 4
    American Red Cross - Conscious Choking First AidSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed October 19, 2026. · Read our editorial policy