Back to Home

What to Say in an Emergency

When Calling Emergency Services (after clearing airway)

Say exactly:

""I'm calling about my [age] child who was choking. The airway is now [clear/still blocked]. They [can/cannot] breathe normally. The choking started [time] minutes ago from [object/food]. We are at [your exact location/address]. Please send an ambulance.""

If Still Choking When Help Arrives

Say exactly:

""My child is still choking on [object/food]. I've been doing [back blows/chest thrusts/Heimlich] for [time] minutes. They [can/cannot] make any sounds. Please help immediately.""

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • 1
    Assess the Situation Quickly
    • Ask "Are you choking?" - if they can speak/cough, encourage coughing
    • Look for signs: inability to speak, weak cough, blue lips/face, grabbing throat
    • If conscious but cannot breathe/speak, begin rescue immediately
    • If unconscious, call 911 immediately and begin CPR
    • Do NOT try to remove object with fingers unless you can see it clearly
  • 2
    For Infants (Under 1 Year)
    • Hold baby face-down on your forearm, supporting head and neck
    • Give 5 firm back blows between shoulder blades with heel of hand
    • Turn baby face-up, place 2 fingers on center of chest below nipples
    • Give 5 quick chest thrusts (push hard and fast)
    • Check mouth - remove object only if you can see it
    • Repeat back blows and chest thrusts until object comes out or baby becomes unconscious
  • 3
    For Children (1 Year and Older)
    • Stand behind child, wrap arms around waist
    • Make fist with one hand, place thumb side against stomach above navel
    • Grasp fist with other hand, give quick upward thrusts
    • For small children: kneel behind them or hold on your lap
    • Continue thrusts until object comes out or child becomes unconscious
    • If child becomes unconscious, lower to ground and begin CPR
  • 4
    If Child Becomes Unconscious
    • Call 911 immediately if not already done
    • Place child on back on firm surface
    • Open mouth, look for object - remove only if clearly visible
    • Begin CPR: 30 chest compressions, then 2 rescue breaths
    • Before each set of breaths, check mouth for dislodged object
    • Continue CPR until emergency help arrives or child starts breathing
  • 5
    After Choking Episode
    • Even if object is removed, seek medical attention immediately
    • Watch for breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, or throat pain
    • Do not give food or drink until cleared by medical professional
    • Monitor for signs of injury from rescue attempts
    • Follow up with pediatrician within 24 hours

Watch for Signs

Monitor your child for these symptoms:

🚩 Complete Choking (Emergency Action Required)

  • Cannot speak, breathe, or make sounds
  • Weak, ineffective cough or no cough
  • Blue lips, face, or fingernails
  • Grabbing or pointing to throat
  • Look of panic or distress
  • Loss of consciousness
  • High-pitched sounds when trying to breathe

💚 Partial Choking (Encourage Coughing)

  • Can speak or make sounds
  • Strong, effective coughing
  • Able to breathe between coughs
  • Normal skin color
  • Alert and responsive
  • Can follow simple commands

FAQs (Common Parent Questions)

"Should I try to remove the object with my fingers?"

Only if you can clearly see the object and easily grasp it. Never do a blind finger sweep - this can push the object deeper and make choking worse.

"What if the Heimlich maneuver doesn't work?"

Continue cycles of back blows (for infants) or abdominal thrusts (for children) until the object comes out or the child becomes unconscious. If unconscious, begin CPR immediately.

"Should I give water to help wash down the object?"

Never give water, food, or anything by mouth to a choking person. This can make the situation worse and increase the risk of aspiration.

"How hard should I press during chest thrusts or Heimlich?"

Use firm, quick pressure. For infants, use 2 fingers with enough force to compress chest 1/3 of its depth. For children, use enough force to potentially dislodge the object - this may cause bruising but is necessary.

"Do I still need to go to the hospital if the object comes out?"

Yes, always seek medical attention after a choking episode. There may be injury to the throat or remaining pieces of the object. The rescue techniques can also cause internal injuries that need evaluation.

Real Parent Tips

Real Parent Experiences

"I practiced the infant back blows on a doll before I needed it. When my 8-month-old choked on a grape, muscle memory kicked in."

— Amanda K., Vancouver

"Stay calm and act fast. My son was choking on a toy piece and I panicked at first, but then remembered the steps. He was fine after 3 Heimlich thrusts."

— Michael R., Toronto

"Even after the object came out, we went to the ER. Turns out she had some throat irritation that needed monitoring. Always get checked."

— Sarah L., Calgary
This guide is intended for quick reference and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a medical professional if uncertain.