| A choking person’s airway may be completely or partially blocked. A complete blockage is an urgent medical emergency. A partial obstruction can quickly become life threatening if the person loses the ability to breathe in and out sufficiently. Without oxygen, permanent brain damage can occur in as little as 4 minutes. Rapid first aid for choking can save a life.
The universal distress signal for choking is grabbing the throat with one or both hands. DO NOT perform first aid if the person is coughing forcefully and able to speak – a strong cough can dislodge the object on its own. 1. Ask the person: "Are you choking?" "Can you speak?"
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