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If the person faints or loses consciousness: Shout for help. Tell someone to call 911 or the local emergency number. Carefully place the person on a firm and flat surface and begin CPR. Check for an object in the mouth before giving breaths. Chest compressions may help dislodge the object. Abdominal thrusts are for a conscious choking victim. Chest compressions are for an unconscious choking victim.
If you see something blocking the airway and it is loose, try to remove it. If the object is lodged in the person's throat, do not try to grasp it. This can push the object farther into the airway. If you can see the object in the mouth, it may be removed.
Continue giving CPR and checking for the object in the mouth until medical help arrives or the person starts breathing on their own.
After removing the object that caused the choking, keep the person still and get medical help. Anyone who is choking should have a medical exam.
Review Date 2/10/2026
Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
