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Simple first aid steps on how to save a choking person
24th May, 2026 12:58 PM
Choking can happen in seconds and often when least expected. A simple meal, a sweet, or even a sip of water taken too quickly can suddenly block the airway and make breathing difficult. In many homes, restaurants, and schools across Kenya, choking cases are common, especially among children and older adults.
Health experts say choking happens when food or another object gets stuck in the throat or windpipe, preventing air from reaching the lungs. Common causes include swallowing large pieces of meat, fish bones, groundnuts, sweets or eating too fast without chewing properly.
Children are also at risk of choking on coins, bottle tops and small toys.
According to the Mayo Clinic, signs of choking include inability to speak, difficulty breathing, clutching the throat, wheezing and lips turning blue. In serious cases, a person may collapse if help does not come quickly.
“Many choking deaths can be prevented if people around know basic first aid,” Kenya Red Cross Society noted.
How to help someone who is choking
When someone is choking, quick action matters. First, check if the person can still cough or speak. If they can cough, encourage them to continue coughing because it may help remove the object naturally.
If they cannot breathe or talk, stand behind them and give five firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand. If the object does not come out, perform abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich manoeuvre.
To do this, place one fist just above the person’s navel, hold it with the other hand and push inward and upward quickly. Repeat until the object comes out or the person starts breathing again.
The World Health Organisation advised people to seek medical attention afterwards, especially if the choking was severe.
For babies under one year, experts warn against using abdominal thrusts. Instead, place the baby face down along your arm and give gentle back blows before turning them over for chest thrusts if needed.
What to do if you are alone
Choking while alone can be frightening, but there are ways to help yourself. Experts recommend trying to cough forcefully first. If that fails, you can perform abdominal thrusts on yourself by placing your fist above your navel and pushing inward sharply.
Another method involves leaning your upper stomach against a firm object like the back of a chair or the edge of a table to create pressure that may force the blockage out.
The Red Cross says people should also call emergency services immediately if possible, especially if breathing becomes harder.
Doctors encourage families, teachers, and food handlers to learn first aid because emergencies can happen anywhere. Eating slowly, chewing food properly, and keeping small objects away from children can also reduce choking risks.
