First Aid for Choking: Infant, Child & Adult – A Comparison

Choking Rescue by Age Group

Infant (<1 year)

1. 5 back blows (face down on forearm, head lower).
2. 5 chest thrusts (2 fingers on sternum, 1.5 cm depth).
3. Repeat until object expelled or infant unresponsive → start CPR.

Child (1–8 years)

1. 5 back blows (standing/kneeling).
2. 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) – fist above navel, upward.
3. Alternate until cleared or unconscious → CPR.

Adult (>8 years)

1. 5 back blows.
2. 5 abdominal thrusts.
3. Alternate until cleared or unconscious → CPR.

Special Cases

• Pregnant/obese: Use chest thrusts instead of abdominal.
• Unresponsive: Begin CPR immediately; check mouth for object each cycle.

Call 911 if obstruction not relieved quickly.