A person’s airway may become obstructed by a foreign object, this obstruction may be partial, in which case the casualty should be able to breathe, talk or cough, or it may be sufficient to compromise breathing.

Stand to one side of the person, place one hand across their chest and lean them well forward with the other.

Using the heel of your palm, hit the casualty firmly and sharply between the shoulder blades.

Check to see if the obstruction has cleared.

Repeat as necessary up to a total of five times.

If back slaps fail to clear the obstruction, attempt abdominal thrusts.

Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich).

Stand behind the casualty and place both arms around the upper abdomen. Clench one hand into a fist and place this above the navel but below the breastbone.

Grasp this fist with the other hand.

Pull inwards and upwards in a sharp motion.

Check to see if the obstruction has cleared.

Repeat as necessary up to a total of five times.

If the obstruction is still present repeat the sequence of 5 back slaps then 5 abdominal thrusts.

If after three sets the obstruction is still in place call for an ambulance.

If the casualty is unable to stand both techniques can still be applied. Place the casualty on their side to perform back slaps.

Backslaps For Choking.

To apply abdominal thrusts place the casualty on their back and straddle their thighs.

Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich).

Place the heel of your palm onto the abdomen between the navel and bottom of the breastbone. Place the other hand on top of the first and press inwards and downwards into the abdomen.

In some casualties, such as pregnant women or young children, it is undesirable to use abdominal thrusts, instead use chest thrusts. In chest thrusts the fist is placed over the lower end of the breastbone instead of on the abdomen.

If the casualty goes unconscious at any time assess the ABC, due to the muscles relaxing the casualty may be able to breath adequately. If the casualty is not breathing attempt rescue breaths.