Things You'll Need:
- Basic CPR
- Familiarity with the Heimlich Maneuver
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Step 1
Ask the person, "Are you choking?" if you suspect someone is having breathing difficulties.
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Step 2
Know the international sign for choking: one or two hands clutching the throat.
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Step 3
Keep an eye out for signs of embarrassment or panic. These include abruptly leaving the table or room, wide eyes, clutching a surface or nearby person and suddenly looking down or away from nearby people.
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Step 4
Listen for labored, noisy breathing or wheezing.
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Step 5
Listen for crying if the victim is an infant.
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Step 6
Check to see whether the person is able to speak or cough.
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Step 7
Note whether the person's cough is forceful, in which case you should encourage him to continue coughing as hard as possible.
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Step 8
Look at the person's coloring. If she is very pale, turning blue or sweating heavily, she may be choking.
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Step 9
Check an unconscious victim for a medic alert bracelet, which may indicate a problem other than choking.
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Step 10
Ask bystanders about the events surrounding someone's loss of consciousness before assuming the problem is choking.
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Step 11
Designate someone nearby to call 911 and tell the dispatcher that someone is choking.
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Step 12
Begin the Heimlich Maneuver once you know that choking is the problem.
