How to Treat an Unconscious Choking Adult or Child

A choking victim can't breathe, which deprives the brain of precious oxygen. Using the following technique could save a life.

Things You'll Need

• First Aid Kits
• First Aid Books
• Safety Goggles
• Latex Gloves
• First Aid Classes

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Instructions

Initial Assessment

• 1

  Treat for unconscious choking under the following conditions: the choking person fell unconscious while you were treating for conscious choking, or breaths won't go in during rescue breathing even after you've re-tilted the head (see Related eHows on rescue breathing).

Treatment for Choking

• 2

  Position the choking person on his or her back; if you suspect a spinal injury, be extremely careful not to move or twist the head, neck or spine. If several rescuers are present, use their assistance to minimize this danger (for a related technique, see "How to Logroll an Injured Person During First Aid").

• 3

  Kneel down, straddling the choking person's legs and facing the choking person's abdomen.

• 4

  Place the heel of one hand just above the navel.

• 5

  Place the other hand over the first hand, interlacing the fingers of the two hands.

• 6

  Straighten your arms.

• 7

  Thrust inward and upward, using a quick motion. Give up to five thrusts in rapid succession.

• 8

  Sweep out the mouth using the technique for an obstructed airway (see "How to Clear an Obstructed Airway"). For a child, attempt this only if you can see the obstructing object.

• 9

  Tilt the head and give two slow breaths. If the breaths won't go in, re-tilt the head and give two more breaths.

• 10

  Repeat the cycle of thrusts, mouth sweep, head tilt, breaths, head re-tilt and breaths until breaths go in, or until the person begins breathing on his or her own.

• 11

  Check for pulse and breathing once breaths go in (see "How to Check Airway, Breathing and Circulation").

• 12

  Provide CPR or rescue breathing as necessary (see eHows on CPR and rescue breathing).