Signs of choking (complete airway obstruction)
A person who is choking (has complete airway obstruction):
- Can't cry, talk, breathe, or cough.
- May grasp throat.
- May become severely anxious or agitated.
- May turn blue or dusky in color.
- May pass out.
A choking rescue procedure (the Heimlich maneuver) is used to clear an obstruction in adults and children over 1 year of age. Back blows and abdominal thrusts are used in babies under 1 year of age.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: October 5, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
 | ||
| |