Free Choking First Aid Poster
Downloadable step-by-step first aid for choking poster
Choking is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action.
Our free choking first aid poster provides step-by-step guidance for responding to choking adults and children over 1 year old, including infant-related choking protocols in line with the current Resuscitation Council UK guidelines.
Download your free choking first aid poster
Easy-to-follow free first aid poster on a choking adult or a child 1 year and over
📄 Print-friendly PDF format📍 Recommended for A4 or A3 printing 🏢 Suitable for workplace display
What to do if an adult is choking?
How to recognise choking in adults and children?
1. Before starting first aid, you need to identify choking.
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2. Start by fully assessing the situation.
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3. Can the person speak, shout, breathe, cough effectively, or make noise?
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4. The person may clutch at their throat.
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5. If they can encourage coughing first.
What to do if an adult or child is choking?
Choking is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Knowing how to respond can save a life while waiting for professional help.
Remember:
âś— Do not do blind finger sweeps
âś“Only check the mouth and remove visible obstructions with a hooked
finger if you can safely do so.
âś“Call 999 upon recognising choking.
How to help someone from choking?
Call 999
If choking has been identified.
Encourage Coughing
Ask, “Are you choking?”
If the person can, support them and encourage coughing to
clear the obstruction.
Back Blows (5 sharp strikes)
Stand slightly behind the person.
Support their chest with one hand and lean them forward.
With the heel of your other hand, deliver up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades.
After each blow, check the mouth for the object and remove
it if visible and easy to grasp.
Abdominal Thrusts (5 inward-upward thrusts)
If back blows fail:
Stand behind and wrap your arms around their waist.
Make a fist, place it just above the belly button, and grasp with your other hand.
Deliver up to five sharp inward and upward pulls
(abdominal thrusts).
Check their mouth after each thrust.
Repeat Cycle
If the person is still choking, alternate five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until:
The object dislodges.
Emergency help arrives.
The person becomes unresponsive.
If Unresponsive
Gently lower them to the ground.
Start CPR immediately.
What to Do if a Baby Is Choking?
Babies require different first aid techniques. Never use abdominal thrusts on babies under 1 year.
1. Back Blows (5)
Sit and support the baby face down along your forearm, head lower than the body.
Give five back blows with the heel of your hand between the shoulder blades.
Check the mouth each time.
2. Chest Thrusts (5)
Turn the baby face-up on your forearm/thigh, keeping the head lower than the body.
Place two fingers in the centre of their chest (just below the nipple line).
Give up to five chest thrusts—firm but controlled.
Check after each thrust.
3. Repeat Back Blows & Chest Thrusts
Alternate sets of 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until clear or help arrives.
If the object has still not cleared, call 999 & continue the sequence.
4. If Unresponsive
Begin baby CPR and ensure emergency services are on the way.
Babies who have needed chest thrusts should be seen by a clinician.
Key Choking Safety Points
Do not perform abdominal thrusts on babies under 1 year
Avoid sweeping the mouth blindly—this can push the obstruction deeper.
Even if the obstruction clears, seek medical evaluation after abdominal or chest thrusts.
Why First Aid Training Is Required, As Well As Posters
First aid posters are a valuable workplace safety resource, but they are not a substitute for practical first aid training.
While posters help remind staff of the correct emergency response steps, hands-on first aid training helps build confidence and improve real-life emergency response. As part of your workplace risk assessment, you should identify the necessary first aid safety posters and signage, as well as the most suitable training for your staff.
The team at First Aid Safety delivers in-house workplace first aid training across London and the UK.
Looking for In-House First Aid Training?
The First Aid Safety team delivers expert in-house first aid training at your workplace in London and across the UK.
We offer a range of regulated, HSE-compliant workplace first aid courses which are accredited by Qualifications Network UK, including:
Our comprehensive nationwide network of first-aid training instructors can deliver tailored training to your staff at a time and place that works for you.
First Aid for Choking Poster FAQs
If someone is choking, follow these steps (for adults and children over 1 year):
Encourage coughing
Give 5 back blows
Do 5 abdominal thrusts
Continue cycle
Call 999 if still choking
If unresponsive, perform CPR
For visual step-by-step guidance, download our free anti-choking poster.
The Health and Safety Executive does not officially approve informational first aid posters. However, this choking hazard poster is designed to reflect recognised workplace safety guidance and first aid best practices, supporting your organisation’s compliance with HSE legislation and demonstrating your commitment to employee safety.
Yes. This choking first aid poster is designed as a printable first aid safety resource. Download the PDF file and print using a standard home or office printer. For best visibility, A4 or A3 paper is recommended.
Display choking first aid posters in highly visible workplace locations, such as:
Staff rooms
Kitchens and dining areas
Reception areas
Break rooms
High-risk work zones
The aim is to ensure emergency first aid guidance is easy to access when needed.
