Choking is most often caused by food or an object stuck in the windpipe. A person who is choking cannot talk, cough, or breathe, and may turn gray or blue. The Heimlich maneuver can help get the food or object out.

Warning: Do not try the Heimlich maneuver unless you are sure that the person is choking.

It is best to take a class on the Heimlich maneuver and CPR and then use this article as a reference.

If Someone Is Choking

If the person can cough or make sounds, let him or her cough to try to get the object out. If you are worried about the person’s breathing, call 911.

If the person can’t breathe, cough, or make sound, then:

• Stand behind the person, and wrap your arms around his or her waist. If the person is standing, place one of your feet between his or her legs so you can support the person if he or she faints.
• Make a fist with one hand. Place the thumb side of your fist against the person’s belly, just above the belly button but well below the breastbone.
• Grasp your fist with your other hand. Give a quick upward thrust into the belly. This may cause the object to pop out. You may need to use more force for a large person and less for a small one.
• Repeat thrusts until the object pops out or the person faints.

Call 911 if the person faints (if you haven’t called already). Then:

• Start CPR. If you are giving rescue breaths, look for an object in the mouth each time you open the airway. If you see an object, remove it.
• Do not do any more Heimlich thrusts.
• Keep doing CPR until the person is breathing on his or her own or until help arrives.

If You Are Choking

If you choke while you are alone, use your fists to do thrusts on yourself. Or lean over the back of a chair and press hard to pop out the object.