Emergency

Choking (Adult)

critical

Clear a blocked airway with back blows and abdominal thrusts.

Call 999 where appropriate

Symptoms

Clutching throat
Unable to speak, cough or breathe
Blue lips (cyanosis)

Mild — casualty can cough

Encourage coughing
Stay with them until obstruction clears

Severe — cannot cough or speak

Give up to 5 sharp back blows between shoulder blades.
Check mouth — remove visible obstruction.
If still blocked: 5 abdominal thrusts (hands above navel, sharp inward/upward pull).
Alternate 5 back blows / 5 abdominal thrusts until cleared.
If casualty becomes unresponsive — start CPR and call 999.

After the event

Anyone given abdominal thrusts must see a doctor — risk of internal injury

Call 999

If obstruction does not clear after first cycle, or casualty becomes unresponsive

GuardAssist provides operational decision support. It does not replace formal training, employer procedures, assignment instructions or professional judgement. In a life-threatening emergency, dial 999.