Loading emergency guide...

Choking — pregnant or obese — Do This Now | AidNow

Choking — pregnant or obese

Critical

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

Fall if standing unsupported
Crowded panic

Back blows, then chest thrusts — not belly thrusts. Call 112 if they collapse.

Do This Now

Step 1: Ask if they are choking — if they cannot speak, act immediately
Step 2: Give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades
Step 3: Use chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts — push inward on the center of the chest
Step 4: Alternate back blows and chest thrusts until the object comes out
Step 5: If they collapse — call 112 and start CPR

Do Not

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT use standard abdominal Heimlich thrusts on a pregnant person — use chest thrusts.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT press on the pregnant belly.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT assume chest thrusts are too weak — they can still dislodge the object.

How to Call for Help

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112. Say: "Pregnant person choking" or "Person choking — using chest thrusts."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Mention pregnancy weeks if known.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stay on the line — operator will guide you.

When Professional Care Is Needed

Call 112 if obstruction is not cleared or they become unresponsive.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Pregnant choking victims need hospital evaluation for both airway and pregnancy after any rescue.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Even after successful rescue, medical check is needed — ribs, airway, and pregnancy status should be assessed.

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