Choking is one of the leading causes of death in young children, yet many tragedies are preventable with fast, confident action. Knowing how to respond when a child is choking can save a life. In one of our latest training videos, CPR Choice demonstrates the newest choking rescue recommendations supported by ILCOR, the American Heart Association (AHA), Red Cross, and HSI — including an important update many people may not realize has changed.
This guide covers how to recognize choking, what to do, and when CPR is needed.
A child (approximately age 1 through toddler/walking age) is experiencing severe airway obstruction if they:
If a child can cough, encourage strong, forceful coughing and monitor closely. Do not interfere unless breathing becomes ineffective.
For many years, rescuers were taught to perform only abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). Updated 2025 guidelines now recommend a combination approach:
Continue cycles of 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until:
Even if the object comes out and the child seems fine, follow up with a physician to ensure no injury or remaining obstruction.
If the airway remains blocked, a child will eventually lose consciousness. If this happens:
Continue CPR until:
Choking cuts off oxygen to the brain. Within minutes, this becomes life-threatening. Quick, correct action restores airflow and circulation, dramatically increasing survival and reducing brain injury.
Many parents fear hurting their child while performing thrusts or compressions — but without enough force, the obstruction will not clear. In a choking emergency, effective action saves lives.
Because choking is common and often preventable:
(Watch our companion video on common choking hazards to help make your home safer.)
At CPR Choice, we teach the most current, evidence-based choking rescue and CPR techniques from ILCOR, AHA, Red Cross, and HSI. All of our open enrollment CPR classes include infant CPR, child CPR, and choking rescue training, giving parents and caregivers the skills and confidence to act when seconds matter.
Because when a child cannot breathe — you are their lifeline.
Watch our Child Choking Rescue video to see these updated techniques demonstrated step-by-step and learn how to respond confidently in an emergency.
Our child choking demonstration has helped educate millions of viewers on TikTok and is also available on Instagram and YouTube.
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