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Self-rescue choking — Do This Now | AidNow

Self-rescue choking

Critical

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

Falling while alone
Unable to unlock door for responders

Cough hard. Call 112 on speaker. Fist above navel — thrust inward, or push over a chair.

Do This Now

Step 1: Try to cough forcefully if any air is getting through
Step 2: Call 112 on speaker and leave the line open even if you cannot speak
Step 3: Do abdominal thrusts on yourself using your fist and hand, or push over a chair back or counter edge
Step 4: Keep trying until the object comes out or you become too weak — then emergency services may trace your call

Do Not

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT run outside for help if you can call from inside — you may collapse in the street.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT drink water to wash the object down.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give up after one or two attempts.

How to Call for Help

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 first on speaker. Leave the line open — operators are trained for silent distress calls.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If you have smart home or medical alert devices, activate them if possible.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Bang on walls or floor if neighbors are nearby after calling.

When Professional Care Is Needed

If you cannot dislodge the object within a minute or start to feel faint — you are seconds from unconsciousness.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If you become unconscious, bystander CPR is your only hope — calling 112 early gives responders a head start.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — After self-rescue succeeds, still seek medical care — internal injury or leftover fragments may remain.

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