Choking

As long as the choking person is coughing and has good skin color, do not interfere. However, if the person is coughing weakly and is having trouble breathing, administer first aid. Ask, "Are you choking?" If yes, then proceed.

Conscious Adult or Child

1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around the person's waist.

2. Place your fist—with the thumb side against the person's stomach—slightly above the navel and below the ribs and breastbone. Place your other hand over your fist.

3. With your elbows out, press your fist with a quick, upward thrust into the person's abdomen.

4. Continue until the obstruction is cleared.

5. If the object cannot be cleared or the person loses consciousness, call 911 or your emergency medical number.

Conscious Infant

A baby who is coughing or crying probably is OK. If the baby is not coughing or crying, cannot breathe, or if the baby's face turns blue:

1. Call 911 or the emergency number.

2. Lay the baby facedown along your forearm so that the baby's head is lower than the body. Hold the baby's jaw between your index finger and thumb. Rest your forearm on your thigh.

3. Use the heel of your hand to apply 4 forceful blows between the shoulder blades.

4. Turn the baby so that baby's back is against your thigh with the head lower than the body. Place three fingers on the baby's breastbone about 1 inch below the nipples. Give 4 quick thrusts down, depressing the breast 1/2 to 1 inch.

5. Continue Steps 2 through 4 until the object is dislodged.