Can CPR Be Performed on Someone Who Is Choking?

When a person is choking, the immediate response should depend on the severity of the situation. If the individual is still conscious but unable to breathe, cough, or speak, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is not the appropriate first-aid response at this stage. Instead, the Heimlich maneuver should be performed to dislodge the object blocking the airway.

How to Perform the Heimlich Maneuver

Stand behind the person who is choking and wrap your arms around their upper torso. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the person's navel, below the ribcage. Place your other hand over your fist and perform quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen. These inward and upward movements increase pressure in the chest cavity, often forcing the object out of the trachea.

What to Do If the Person Loses Consciousness

If the choking victim becomes unresponsive, it's crucial to begin CPR immediately. Lay the person flat on their back and begin chest compressions. The pressure applied during chest compressions can also help expel the foreign object. Ensure you call emergency services or have someone call for you while performing CPR.

CPR and Choking in Children

For infants or young children who are choking, the approach should be slightly modified. If the child is conscious, place them face down along your forearm or thigh, slightly tilting the body forward. Deliver five firm back blows between the shoulder blades to try to remove the blockage. If this is unsuccessful, turn the child face up and perform five chest compressions using two fingers for infants or one or two hands for older children.

Alternate between back blows and chest compressions until the object is expelled or the child begins breathing. If the child becomes unresponsive at any point, begin full CPR while also ensuring that emergency medical help is on the way.