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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. If the blockage does not clear, call 000.
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 with one hand. Use the heel of the other on the lower half of the breastbone. Thrusts are sharper and slower than CPR compressions. 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 5 October 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.