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What is BLS for Choking?

Published in First Aid 3 mins read

Basic Life Support (BLS) for choking involves specific techniques aimed at dislodging an obstruction from the airway. The approach differs slightly depending on whether the victim is an adult/child or an infant.

BLS for Choking in Adults and Children

If an adult or child is choking but still able to cough forcefully, encourage them to continue coughing. Do not interfere as their own cough may dislodge the object. If they are unable to speak, cough, or breathe, or if their cough becomes weak and ineffective, the following steps should be taken:

  1. Ask: "Are you choking?" to confirm the situation.

  2. Call for Help: Have someone call emergency services (911 in the US) or activate the emergency response system.

  3. Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver):

    • Stand behind the person.
    • Wrap your arms around their waist.
    • Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side against their abdomen, slightly above the navel and below the breastbone.
    • Grasp your fist with your other hand and give a quick, upward thrust into their abdomen.
    • Repeat until the object is dislodged or the person becomes unresponsive.

  4. If the Person Becomes Unresponsive:

    • Carefully lower the person to the ground.
    • Begin CPR, starting with chest compressions. Each time you open the airway to give breaths, look for the obstructing object. If you see it, carefully remove it.
    • Continue CPR until help arrives.

BLS for Choking in Infants (Under 1 Year Old)

Infant choking requires a different approach due to their smaller size and fragility.

  1. Support the Infant: Hold the infant face down along your forearm, supporting their head and jaw with your hand. Ensure the head is lower than the chest.

  2. Back Slaps: Deliver five firm back slaps between the infant's shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.

  3. Chest Thrusts: If back slaps are unsuccessful, turn the infant face up, supporting their head. Place two fingers on the middle of the breastbone, just below the nipple line. Give five quick chest thrusts, compressing the chest about 1.5 inches.

  4. Repeat: Continue alternating between five back slaps and five chest thrusts until the object is dislodged, or the infant becomes unresponsive.

  5. If the Infant Becomes Unresponsive:

    • Begin CPR, starting with chest compressions. Each time you open the airway to give breaths, look for the obstructing object. If you see it, carefully remove it.
    • Continue CPR until help arrives.

Important Considerations:

  • Pregnant or Obese Individuals: If performing abdominal thrusts on a pregnant woman or obese person, perform chest thrusts instead, placing your hands around the chest rather than the abdomen.
  • Training: This information is for informational purposes only and should not replace formal BLS training. Seek proper training from a certified organization such as the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

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