For choking first aid, back blows should be given firmly between the shoulder blades , in the middle of the upper back.

Exact spot on the back

  • Aim for the area between the top points of the shoulder blades , roughly in line with the armpits, not on the neck or lower back.
  • Use the heel of your hand (the hard area between your palm and wrist) to deliver each blow.

How to position the person

  • Lean the person well forward so that if the object dislodges, it comes out of the mouth rather than going deeper into the airway.
  • Stand slightly to the side and behind them (or kneel for a child), support their chest with one hand, and give up to 5 sharp blows between the shoulder blades.

If the airway is still blocked after back blows, guidelines say to move on to abdominal or chest thrusts and call emergency services while continuing care.