choking first aid
if a child is choking and cannot breathe, cough, or cry — act immediately. call 000 if back blows and thrusts don't clear the blockage.
signs of choking
mild (can still breathe)
- •coughing or gagging
- •able to cry or speak
- •able to breathe (even if noisy)
- •red in the face
- encourage coughing — do NOT slap their back (may push object deeper)
severe (cannot breathe)
- •silent — no cough, cry, or voice
- •unable to breathe
- •face turning blue or very pale
- •may clutch at throat
- •becoming limp or unconscious
- act immediately — start back blows
choking baby (under 1 year)
- 1
5 back blows
lay baby face-down along your forearm (supporting their head). give 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
- 2
check the mouth
turn baby face-up. if you can see the object, carefully remove it. never blindly sweep the mouth with your finger.
- 3
5 chest thrusts
if back blows didn't work: with baby face-up on your forearm, use 2 fingers to give 5 chest thrusts in the centre of the chest (same position as CPR compressions, but sharper and slower).
- 4
repeat
alternate 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the baby becomes unconscious.
- 5
if unconscious
call 000 immediately. start CPR — 30 compressions, 2 breaths. check the mouth before each set of breaths.
choking child (over 1 year)
- 1
5 back blows
lean the child forward. give 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
- 2
check the mouth
if you can see the object, carefully remove it. don't blindly sweep.
- 3
5 chest thrusts (under 1) or abdominal thrusts (over 1)
for children over 1: stand behind the child, make a fist and place it above the belly button, grab your fist with your other hand, pull sharply inward and upward 5 times.
- 4
repeat
alternate 5 back blows and 5 thrusts until the object is cleared or the child becomes unconscious.
- 5
if unconscious
call 000. start CPR — 30 compressions, 2 breaths. check the mouth before giving breaths.
high-risk choking foods
these are the most common choking hazards for young children. always cut food appropriately for your child's age.
whole grapes
cut lengthways into quarters
cherry tomatoes
cut lengthways into quarters
sausages / hot dogs
cut lengthways, then into small pieces
whole nuts
use smooth nut butter instead
popcorn
avoid for children under 3
raw carrot / apple
grate or cook until soft
hard lollies
avoid for young children
marshmallows
avoid — sticky and compressible
chunks of cheese
grate or cut into thin strips
corn chips / rice cakes
break into small pieces
prevention tips
- •always supervise children while eating
- •sit children upright to eat — not lying down, running, or in the car
- •cut food into small, appropriate-sized pieces for your child's age
- •teach children to chew food properly before swallowing
- •keep small objects (coins, button batteries, marbles, pen lids) out of reach
- •check toys for small parts — follow age recommendations on packaging
- •button batteries are extremely dangerous if swallowed — call 000 immediately
related guides
this guide is for reference only and does not replace first aid training. based on Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines. in an emergency, call 000.