What to Do if an Adult is Choking?

Imagine you're having dinner with your friends or family, and suddenly, someone starts choking. Would you know how to help them? Don't worry—by the time you finish reading this, you'll know exactly what to do when someone is choking and how to provide proper choking first aid.
 

Partial choking vs complete choking

First things first, there are two types of choking: partial choking and complete choking.

• Partial choking occurs when something blocks the airway, but some air still gets through. For example, you start coughing when a small piece of food gets stuck.
• Complete choking is when the airway is totally blocked, and the person can't breathe at all.

Signs of Partial Choking

• Coughing: The person might be able to cough forcefully.
• Wheezing: You might hear wheezing or other abnormal sounds while they breathe.
• Difficulty Breathing: They may struggle to breathe, but they can still get some air.

 

What to Do When Someone Is Partially Choking?

If someone is partially choking, here's what you can do:

1. Encourage Coughing: If they're coughing, that's a good sign! Tell them to keep coughing to help clear the obstruction.
2. Monitor Their Condition: Keep an eye on their breathing and alertness. If they become too weak to cough, they could end up completely choking pretty fast.
3. Seek Medical Attention: Even if they seem fine afterward, it's a good idea to see a doctor to make sure everything's okay.

 

How to Recognize Complete Choking

Look for the following signs and symptoms to determine if the obstruction is complete:

• Unable to speak, cough, or breathe.
• High-pitched squeaking sounds.
• Flushed (red) skin that turns bluish or paler than usual.
• A panicked expression and wide eyes.
• Place one or both hands on the throat.

 

What to Do When Someone Is Choking Completely

If you witness any of the previous signs or symptoms, you will need to act fast. Here is what you should do:

1. Call for Emergency Help: If you haven't already, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. If you are alone, immediately begin providing care for choking. Shout for help to try to attract the attention of a bystander, but do not delay care by calling EMS/9-1-1 yourself.

2. Perform any two of the following three options:

• Abdominal Thrusts:
  • Stand behind the person and place your arms around their waist.
  • Place a fist with one hand just above the person's navel.
  • Grasp your fist with your other hand and perform quick, inward and upward thrusts.
  • Continue performing thrusts until the object is expelled or the person becomes unconscious.
• Back Blows:
  • Stand behind the person (or kneel, if you are significantly taller) and wrap one arm diagonally across the person’s chest.
  • Bend the person forward at the waist until the upper airway is at least parallel to the ground. 
  • With the heel of your free hand, deliver up to 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades. 
• Chest Thrusts:
  • Stand behind the person (or kneel, if you are significantly taller) and wrap both of your arms around the person’s chest, just under the armpits. 
  • Make a fist and place it in the middle of the person’s chest, with your thumb facing inward, and place your other hand over your fist.
  • Give up to 5 chest thrusts by pulling straight back toward you. If you find your thrusts are not effective, pull more sharply and deeply.

3. If the Person Becomes Unconscious:

• Gently lower them to the ground.
• Check their mouth for any visible obstruction and remove it if you can see it.
• Begin CPR if you're trained. Start with chest compressions and check their mouth between compressions for the object.
• Continue CPR until emergency help arrives or the person starts breathing on their own.

 

Most Common Causes of Choking in Adults

The most common causes of airway obstruction in adults include:

• Food: Large pieces of food or improperly chewed food can block the airway, especially if the person is eating quickly or talking while eating.
• Objects: Small objects like coins, dentures, or pieces of plastic can become lodged in the throat.
• Liquids: Drinks or other liquids can cause choking if they go down the wrong way or if a person cannot swallow properly.
• Swelling: Allergic reactions or infections can cause the throat or airway to enlarge, partially or totally blocking it.
• Vomiting: In cases of severe vomiting, food or liquid can be aspirated into the airway, leading to obstruction.
• Medical Conditions: Tumors, growths, and anatomical anomalies can cause the airway to become partially or completely blocked.
• Inhalation of Foreign Objects: Inhaled objects or substances can obstruct the airway.

 

Tips to Avoid Choking

To reduce the risk of airway obstruction, consider these tips and tricks:

• Eat Slowly and Chew Thoroughly: Take smaller bites and chew food thoroughly before swallowing. Avoid talking or laughing while eating.
• Avoid Eating While Distracted: Focus on your meal to minimize choking hazards caused by distractions.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink fluids with meals to help swallow food and prevent choking.
• Cut Food into Smaller Pieces: For high-risk individuals, cut food into smaller, manageable pieces.
• Be Mindful of High-Risk Foods: Choking is more likely to occur when eating certain foods such as nuts, popcorn, or hard candies. Eat them with prudence and avoid them if you are at higher risk.
• Use Proper Utensils: If you have difficulty swallowing, use utensils designed to help, like straws or special cutlery.
• Avoid Talking with a Full Mouth: Wait until you've finished swallowing before speaking.
• Stay Calm During Meals: Anxiety and rushing can lead to swallowing difficulties.
• Regular Medical Check-Ups: Regular check-ups can benefit those with medical issues that limit their ability to swallow.
• Learn First Aid: Knowing how to help in an emergency is always a good idea!

 

Important Reminder

Please keep in mind that the information in this article is intended for informational reasons and should not be used in place of proper First Aid and CPR courses. You can sign up for a First Aid course nearby to learn more and prepare yourself.

Download the Red Cross First Aid app to easily access life-saving tips and instructions. Another helpful reference is the Choking section of the Comprehensive Guide for First Aid & CPR.