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Choking
Adults, children and babies: start by checking the cough.
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Choking
Cannot breathe, speak or cough effectively? Call 000 now.
1 / Effective cough
Encourage coughing. Stay close and watch for worsening. Do not give back blows while the cough is effective.
2 / Ineffective cough: up to 5 back blows
Lean an adult or child forward; support the chest. Strike between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. For a baby under 1, support face down along your forearm, head lower than chest; support the jaw.
3 / Still blocked: up to 5 chest thrusts
For an adult or child, support the back and thrust on the lower half of the breastbone. For a baby, turn face up with the head lower than the chest and use 2 fingers on the lower half of the breastbone.
4 / Check after every blow or thrust
Stop when the blockage clears. If it stays blocked, alternate up to 5 back blows and up to 5 chest thrusts. Use force suited to the person's size.
Sources & update
Updated 7 September 2026. General information; follow the 000 call-taker. This independent quick reference does not replace first aid training or a personal action plan. Source organisations do not endorse this site.