# Choking emergency response

Canonical: [https://followyourswallow.com/safety/choking](https://followyourswallow.com/safety/choking)

## Emergency

If someone cannot breathe, cough, or speak, call 911 now.

## While help is coming

1. Ask whether the person is choking. If they can cough or speak, encourage coughing.
2. If they cannot breathe, cough, or make sound, give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades.
3. Give 5 abdominal thrusts. Alternate 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts.
4. If the person becomes unresponsive, lower them to the floor and start CPR. Follow the 911 dispatcher's instructions.
5. After the event, contact the care team even if the blockage cleared.

Source: [American Red Cross adult and child choking first aid](https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/learn-first-aid/adult-child-choking)