Choking is a sudden, life-threatening emergency that can happen to anyone, at any time — in the home, at work, or even in a public place. Whether it’s a child choking on a small toy or an adult swallowing food the wrong way, knowing how to respond effectively can save a life. That’s why first aid training is essential for everyone, especially those living or working in Perth. At First Aid Certified, we deliver nationally recognised training designed to prepare you for real-world emergencies like choking.
This ultimate guide explores the risks of choking, how to recognise its symptoms, and how to respond effectively using approved first aid techniques. Plus, we’ll explain how enrolling in a First Aid Course in Perth can empower you with the confidence and skills to act when it matters most.
What is Choking?
Choking occurs when a foreign object — often food or a small item — blocks a person’s airway, preventing them from breathing normally. Without oxygen, brain damage or death can occur within minutes. That’s why a fast, calm, and skilled response is crucial.
Signs of Choking in Adults
Understanding the signs of choking can help you act swiftly. Key symptoms include:
- Clutching the throat (universal sign for choking)
- Inability to talk or cry out
- Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing
- Bluish lips or face (cyanosis)
- Panicked behaviour
- Loss of consciousness if untreated
These symptoms require immediate attention. The faster you act, the better the chance of a positive outcome.
Choking Risk Factors
Choking can happen in many ways and affects people of all ages, from babies to the elderly. Here are some common causes and risk groups:
Foods That Commonly Cause Choking
- Grapes, nuts, and popcorn (especially for children)
- Chunks of meat or poorly chewed food
- Peanut butter and sticky foods
- Hard lollies or chewing gum
Non-Food Hazards
- Coins, buttons, beads, and balloons
- Small toys or toy parts
- Pen caps and jewellery
High-Risk Groups
- Children under five
- Elderly individuals (especially with swallowing difficulties)
- People with neurological conditions
- Intoxicated individuals or those eating while laughing/talking
Being aware of these risks helps with prevention — a key component of any first aid training course in Perth.
Choking vs. Gagging: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to distinguish between gagging and choking:
- Gagging: A natural reflex, often loud and dramatic. Usually resolves on its own.
- Choking: A silent, life-threatening event. Immediate action is necessary if the person cannot speak, cough, or breathe.
Training through First Aid Certified teaches you how to assess the situation quickly and decide whether to intervene.
First Aid Steps for Choking Victims
Let’s break down what to do when someone is choking, based on their age and condition.
Adults and Children Over One Year
- Ask if they are choking — if they can cough or speak, encourage them to keep coughing.
- If they cannot cough, speak, or breathe:
- Give 5 back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
- If unsuccessful, perform 5 chest thrusts.
- Repeat alternating back blows and chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or they lose consciousness.
- If unconscious, start CPR and call Triple Zero (000) for emergency services.
Choking in Infants (Under One Year)
- Lay the infant face-down along your forearm.
- Support their head and neck.
- Deliver 5 back blows between the shoulder blades.
- Turn the infant over and deliver 5 chest thrusts using two fingers.
- Repeat the process until the object is cleared or medical help arrives.
Pregnant Women and Obese Individuals
Use chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts to avoid injury. Learn proper techniques during our HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid course in Perth.
Special Scenarios: Choking on Liquids
While rare, choking on liquids can still be dangerous. If someone inhales a liquid:
- Encourage continued coughing to clear the airway
- Monitor for breathing difficulty or persistent coughing
- Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or persist
When to Call Emergency Services
Always call 000 if:
- The choking person becomes unconscious
- Breathing is laboured or stops altogether
- You are not trained in first aid or unsure of what to do
- You cannot dislodge the object with back blows or chest thrusts
Prevention: Your First Line of Defence
Choking incidents are often preventable with the right safety practices.
Tips for Preventing Choking in Adults and Children
- Cut food into small, manageable pieces
- Avoid talking or laughing while eating
- Encourage chewing slowly and thoroughly
- Keep small objects out of reach of young children
- Avoid giving hard or sticky foods to toddlers
At Home and in Public Spaces
Install baby gates, supervise meal times, and inspect toys regularly. Encourage childcare providers, teachers, and support workers to complete accredited first aid courses in Perth.
Why Formal First Aid Training is a Must
Reading about choking response is helpful, but hands-on training makes all the difference.
At First Aid Certified, our nationally accredited HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid course includes:
- Hands-on CPR and choking drills
- Realistic infant and adult manikins
- Training in AED (automated external defibrillator) use
- Experienced trainers with healthcare backgrounds
- Focused lessons on adult, child, and infant emergencies
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or simply a concerned citizen, First Aid Certified in Perth equips you with the confidence to respond in a choking emergency.
Why Choose First Aid Certified for Your Training?
At First Aid Certified, we go beyond the basics. Here’s why we’re a trusted provider of First Aid Courses in Perth:
- Flexible training schedules: weekday, weekend, and evening classes
- Convenient Perth locations with accessible venues
- Online + face-to-face delivery options
- Affordable pricing and group discounts
- Friendly trainers who make learning engaging and stress-free
- Government-recognised certificates upon completion
Visit www.firstaidcert.com.au to view available dates and book your course today.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Many of our students have gone on to save lives with the training they received. One mum from Perth shared how her infant started choking on a grape at a birthday party. Thanks to her training with First Aid Certified, she remained calm, performed the right techniques, and cleared the blockage within seconds — before emergency services even arrived.
Conclusion
Choking is a terrifying and dangerous emergency — but it’s one you can prepare for. With the right knowledge and confidence, you could be the reason someone takes another breath.
By enrolling in a First Aid Course in Perth with First Aid Certified, you not only gain essential skills, but you also become an empowered member of your community, capable of making life-saving decisions in high-stress situations.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get trained. Stay prepared. Save a life.