Choking - adults Choking can result in the loss of consciousness but is often not as serious as this.

What is it?

A severe obstruction is when a person is unable to speak, cry, cough or breathe. A mild obstruction is when a person finds it difficult to breath, but is able to speak, cry, cough or breathe. They are able to clear the obstruction without help.

First aid aims

• Relieve the obstruction
• Arrange for medical help if necessary

Actions

If the obstruction seems to be mild, get the casualty to continue coughing.

If the obstruction is severe, follow this pattern

First stage - back blows

• Give up to five blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand
• Check the mouth quickly after each one and remove any obvious obstruction

Second stage - abdominal thrusts

• If obstruction is still present, give up to five abdominal thrusts
• Place a clenched fist above the casualty's navel, grasp your fist with your other hand and and pull inwards and upwards
• Check the mouth quickly after each one

Third stage

• If obstruction does not clear after three cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts, dial 999
• Continue until help arrives and resuscitate if necessary

If casualty loses consciousness

• Begin resuscitation and continue until help arrives

This article was reviewed by the British Red Cross in December 2009.