Choking When You’re Alone: What to Do
If a piece of food is blocking your airway and you cannot breathe, speak, or cough forcefully, treat it as an emergency. Don’t wait for it to pass.
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American Red Cross
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If you’re alone
Call your local emergency number immediately. If you can’t speak, keep the call open so the dispatcher can send help.
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American Red Cross
Make a fist and place it just above your belly button.
Grip your fist with your other hand.
Bend over a firm surface, such as the back of a sturdy chair or a countertop.
Drive your fist inward and upward forcefully.
Repeat the thrusts until the object comes out or help arrives.
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Mayo Clinic
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The important correction to many viral posts is that there isn’t a magical “10-second” maneuver. The recommended self-rescue technique is abdominal thrusts against a firm surface while emergency help is being summoned.
If you can still cough
If you can cough forcefully, speak, or breathe, keep coughing. A forceful cough may clear the obstruction.
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American Red Cross
Don’t blindly put your fingers into your throat to search for the food—you can push the object farther into the airway.
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Mayo Clinic
If you become unconscious, CPR should be started by anyone who finds you, with the mouth checked for a visible obstruction.
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Mayo Clinic
If this is happening to you right now, call your local emergency service first.
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