Free Choking First Aid Sheet

Choking First Aid for Kids

If a child starts choking, your hands need a plan. Here is what the current guidelines say, by age, and why a hands on class matters more than any sheet.

• Know the signs. AAP says a child may be choking and need help right away if they can't breathe, are gasping or wheezing, can't talk, cry or make noise, turn a bluish color, grab at their throat, or become limp.
• A strong cough is working. MedlinePlus says not to do choking first aid if the person is coughing forcefully and able to speak, or if an infant is coughing hard or has a strong cry, and to be ready to act if things get worse.
• Child over 1 year. The 2025 AHA and AAP guidelines say to alternate 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object comes out or the child becomes unresponsive. Earlier guidance for children called for abdominal thrusts only.
• Infant under 1 year. Alternate 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts, until the object comes out or the infant becomes unresponsive. Abdominal thrusts are not recommended for infants, due to the risk of injury.
• Babies and toddlers face the highest risk. AAP says most children who die from choking are under age 5, and two thirds are babies under a year old.

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