Choking Summary Food or small objects can cause choking if they get caught in your throat and block your airway. This keeps oxygen from getting to your lungs and brain. If your brain goes without oxygen for more than four minutes, you could have brain damage or die. Young children are at an especially high risk of choking. They can choke on foods like hot dogs, nuts and grapes, and on small objects like toy pieces and coins. Keep hazards out of their reach and supervise them when they eat. When someone is choking, quick action can be lifesaving. Learn how to do back blows, the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts), and CPR. Treatments and Therapies Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Ready Reference American Red Cross Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): First Aid Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Choking: What to Do for an Infant American College of Emergency Physicians First Aid: Choking Nemours Foundation Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Ready Reference American Red Cross Responding to a Choking Emergency Academic Pediatric Association Find an Expert American Red Cross American Red Cross Array Blockage of upper airway Choking – unconscious adult or child over 1 year Choking first aid – adult or child over 1 year – slideshow Choking first aid – infant under 1 year – slideshow Emergency airway puncture – slideshow Foreign object – inhaled or swallowed Videos and Tutorials Child CPR American Red Cross Conscious Choking: Adult and Child American Red Cross CPR: Adult American Red Cross CPR: Infant American Red Cross Unconscious Choking: Infant American Red Cross Children Choking (For Kids) Nemours Foundation CPR: A Real Lifesaver (For Kids) Nemours Foundation Start Here Choking (Heimlich Maneuver) American College of Emergency Physicians Choking Prevention and Rescue Tips National Safety Council Choking: First Aid Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Encyclopedia Choking – adult or child over 1 year Choking – infant under 1 year Emergency airway puncture Heimlich maneuver Heimlich maneuver on self Prevention and Risk Factors Choking and Strangulation Prevention Tips Safe Kids Worldwide Choking Prevention American Academy of Pediatrics Choosing Safe Toys Nemours Foundation Household Safety: Preventing Choking Nemours Foundation Infant Choking: How to Keep Your Baby Safe Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Related Issues Learn CPR You Can Do It! University of Washington, School of Medicine Journal Articles Choking
