If You Start to Choke and You Are Alone: How to Act Quickly
Choking can be frightening, especially when you are alone. If an object blocks your airway and you cannot breathe, cough effectively, or speak, acting immediately is important.
1. Try to Cough Forcefully First
If you can still cough or make sounds:
- Keep coughing as strongly as possible.
- Do not try to drink water or swallow food to “push it down.”
- Avoid putting your fingers in your throat unless you can clearly see and remove the object.
A strong cough is often the body’s best way to clear a blockage.
2. Perform the Self-Heimlich Maneuver (Abdominal Thrusts)
If you cannot breathe, speak, or cough effectively:
- Make a fist with one hand.
- Place the thumb side of your fist against your abdomen, just above your belly button and below your breastbone.
- Grasp your fist with your other hand.
- Push inward and upward with quick, forceful thrusts.
- Repeat until the object comes out.
3. Use a Chair or Counter Edge
If abdominal thrusts are not working:
- Lean your upper abdomen over the edge of a firm surface, such as the back of a chair or countertop.
- Press your body weight inward and upward against the edge.
- Repeat several times.
This creates pressure similar to abdominal thrusts.
4. Call for Emergency Help
If possible:
- Call emergency services immediately (such as 112/911 depending on your location).
- Put the phone on speaker while attempting to clear the blockage.
- If you have a voice assistant, you may be able to use it to call for help.
After the Object Is Removed
Even if you feel better:
- Seek medical advice if you have ongoing coughing, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or throat discomfort.
- A medical check may be needed after a severe choking episode.
