Welcome! Maybe you’re here to prepare for a hypothetical future choking scenario. Or maybe someone is currently choking in your general vicinity. I’m guessing the latter!

Saving someone from choking, which we’ll get to shortly, reminds me of this one time at my favorite tapas spot when this guy at a neighboring table started choking on a patata brava, and a server completely saved him from choking! Eager to learn this valuable skill? Let’s start with the basics.

What is choking?

Choking is when a foreign object obstructs a person’s airway, preventing normal breathing and oxygen intake. Choking is a serious situation that demands a rapid, urgent, immediate response. So let’s hurry up and discuss why people choke in the first place.

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Why do people choke?

There are many possible reasons: improper swallowing of food, a desire for attention, or being startled mid-meal by these unbeatable home-refinancing rates.

Even celebrities choke sometimes, such as George W. Bush and Cher! Choking can be fatal for anyone, including the person choking beside you right now. But is saving someone from choking right for you?

Why you’ll love saving someone from choking:

Still on the fence about saving someone from choking? Here are just a few reasons to try it.

• It’s quick and easy, even on a weeknight.
• The choking person will not die.
• You won’t be haunted by lifelong guilt, or by the choking victim’s ghost.

So what do you actually do when someone’s choking? Let’s dive in.

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What to do when someone is choking:

When a person like a husband, a wife, a daughter, Billie Eilish, a son, a child, a mother, a father, a grandparent, an aunt, an uncle, Harry Styles, a friend, a co-worker, or a Kardashian is choking, you should definitely try to save them! Especially if, as you read this, a person whom you suspect may be choking is watching you with frightened, pleading eyes. We’ll save them in one sec, but diagnosis always comes before treatment. So, are they really choking?

How to tell if someone is choking:

Choking victims may look panicked, flail wildly to get your attention, or place their hands on their neck to display the universal choking sign. They may also be interested in these incredible deals on flights to other countries that recognize the universal choking sign.

If the person’s airway is fully obstructed, they won’t be able to make a sound. And their face may turn red or blue—if blue, you may want to scroll a tad faster!

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High-level instructions:

You’re probably dying to begin the process of saving a choking victim—so are they!

Fortunately, saving someone from choking could not be easier. Simply administer the Heimlich maneuver and, if needed, CPR. If you’re a type-A person like me, who appreciates detailed step-by-step instructions so you know you’re doing things just right, read on!

Quick tip: If, during the saving process, the choking victim forcefully ejects a morsel of food that stains your couch, upgrade your home decor at West Elm (get 15% off with the discount code CHOKE15).

Detailed step-by-step instructions to save someone from choking:

Phew! I know you were desperate to get here and save some life!

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Click the link below to launch my handy slideshow. Remember to disable your pop-up blocker!

How to Save Someone from Choking

What if I was . . . too late?

It happens, especially to readers of this blog. But don’t panic—I’ve got you covered:

Best Coffins on Amazon with Overnight Shipping (Updated November 2023)

A More Concise Guide to Save Someone from Choking Next Time (Patreon Supporters Only)

Natural Repellents to Ward Off the Ghost of Someone You Could Have Saved from Choking ♦