First aid for choking: what to do
By CBD College · Reviewed by our training team · Updated 6 June 2026 · 4 min read
If someone is choking and can't breathe, cough or speak, call Triple Zero (000) and give up to 5 sharp back blows between the shoulder blades, then up to 5 chest thrusts. Alternate back blows and chest thrusts until the blockage clears or help arrives. Encourage a person who can still cough to keep coughing.
Australian Resuscitation Council guidance uses back blows and chest thrusts — not abdominal thrusts — for choking. For infants, support the head and use gentler back blows and chest thrusts.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich)?▾
Current ARC guidance recommends back blows and chest thrusts rather than abdominal thrusts.
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