Choking

How to help someone who is choking.

Learning objectives

Learn how to recognise when someone is choking
Learn the key action to help when someone is choking
Practise applying the key action to a known situation in a role play
Share something creative to inform others how they can help someone who is choking

Guidance regarding giving first aid in the current coronavirus situation can be found in our News section. Please always consider your own personal safety first when delivering first aid.

Click through the slides below to watch the film

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Now let’s take a closer look at this skill.

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How did Dele know his brother was choking?

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What might someone choke on?

Food Water Air

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Try Again

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Why did Dele hit his brother on the back?

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Remember: Hit them on their back

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I feel confident helping someone who is choking.

Take action: If someone is choking, hit them on the back.

Start Over

Click on the link below to read the video transcript.

Choking video transcript

First aid for someone who is choking

Step 1

If somebody is choking tell them to try to cough. They may be holding their chest or neck.

Step 2

If they can't speak, breathe or cough, bend them forwards and hit them with a flat hand hard on the back between the shoulder blades up to five times.