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Child choking — Do This Now | AidNow

Child choking

Critical

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

Small objects within reach
High chair or unstable seating

Back blows, then chest thrusts. Repeat. Call 112 if they collapse.

Do This Now

Step 1: Check if the child can cough or make sounds — if not, act immediately
Step 2: Give up to 5 back blows while supporting their chest
Step 3: If unsuccessful, give up to 5 chest thrusts (not abdominal thrusts)
Step 4: Alternate until the object comes out or the child becomes unresponsive
Step 5: If unresponsive — call 112 and start CPR

Do Not

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT use abdominal thrusts on a child — use chest thrusts instead.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT slap their back if they are coughing forcefully.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT put your fingers in their mouth unless you clearly see the object.

How to Call for Help

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112. Say: "Child choking — cannot breathe. I am doing back blows and chest thrusts."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tell them the child's age and what they were eating or playing with.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stay on speaker so the operator can guide you.

When Professional Care Is Needed

Call 112 if obstruction is not cleared, child becomes limp, or breathing stays difficult.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Any child who needed choking rescue needs hospital evaluation — even if they seem fine afterward.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Unresponsive choking child needs CPR and emergency care immediately.

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.