The appropriate care for an unresponsive choking person is to call emergency services immediately, gently lower the person to a firm flat surface, and start CPR right away. For adults and children, give 30 chest compressions, then open the mouth and remove only a visible object before attempting 2 rescue breaths; continue cycles until help arrives or the person starts breathing.

What to do

  • Call emergency services at once if not already done.
  • Lay the person on the ground carefully to prevent injury.
  • Begin chest compressions immediately.
  • After compressions, look in the mouth and remove only visible obstruction; do not do blind finger sweeps.
  • Try 2 rescue breaths; if the chest does not rise, return to compressions.

Important points

  • If the person was choking and then becomes unresponsive, treat it as a medical emergency and do not delay CPR.
  • Keep going until emergency responders take over, the person starts breathing, or you are too exhausted to continue.
  • For infants, the CPR approach is modified, so the technique depends on age.

Safety note

This is emergency first-aid guidance, not a substitute for formal CPR training. If this is happening right now, call emergency services immediately and start CPR.