Choking

WHAT TO DO:

1. Urge the person to try and cough.

For those with severe choking, they might clutch their chest or neck, and can't talk, breathe or cough – they'll need your assistance.

2. Gently tilt them forward and give around 5 back blows.

Use the heel of your hand to firmly hit between their shoulder blades. This can create a forceful airway vibration, often enough to clear the blockage, helping them breathe.

3. If it doesn’t help, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts

Wrap around their waist, pulling in and up above the belly button. This step forces air from the lungs and might push out the blockage.

4. If they continue to choke, dial 999 immediately.

Keep repeating the steps until their airway clears or until professional help arrives.