Choking in Adults: The Australian First Aid Response

In Australia, the recommended first aid response for a choking adult is the 5-and-5 technique: up to 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades, followed by 5 chest thrusts if the airway is still blocked. This differs from the Heimlich manoeuvre, which is not recommended in Australian guidelines due to the risk of internal injury. If the person loses consciousness, call 000 and begin CPR immediately.

Choking in Adults: What to Do When Every Second Counts

Choking is one of those emergencies that most people have never practised for, but almost everyone will witness at some point. It happens without warning, often at mealtimes, in workplaces, or at social gatherings, and it can become life-threatening within minutes.

The problem is that most Australians have learned what they know about choking from American television. The Heimlich manoeuvre is everywhere on screen. It looks dramatic, it looks effective, and it has been shown so many times that it feels like common knowledge. But it is not what Australian first aid guidelines recommend, and using it on an adult can cause serious internal injury.

This article is written for everyday Australians who want to know the correct, current approach to helping a choking adult. Whether you're a parent, a workplace first aider, a carer, or simply someone who wants to be prepared, this is the information you need.

Why the Australian Approach is Different

Australia follows the guidelines set by the Australian Resuscitation Council. Those guidelines recommend back blows and chest thrusts over abdominal thrusts. This is not a minor technical difference. It reflects a deliberate choice based on the risk profile of the techniques involved. Understanding why Australia does it differently helps you remember what to do and builds confidence when you need to act.

What You'll Learn in This Article

This article covers how to tell the difference between a partial and complete airway obstruction, and why that difference matters for how you respond. It explains the step-by-step Australian technique for helping a choking adult, including what to do in specific situations like pregnancy or when you're alone and choking yourself. It also covers when to begin CPR if the person loses consciousness, and what role anti-choking devices like LifeVac can play.

Preparation is the Point

Reading this article will give you the knowledge. But knowledge alone is not the same as being ready to act under pressure. When a real choking emergency happens, your brain defaults to what your hands have already practised. That's why hands-on first aid training matters.

REACHAU delivers nationally recognised first aid training across Perth and regional Western Australia, including Rockingham, Mandurah, Byford, Kwinana, Albany and the Wheatbelt. Our courses cover choking response, CPR and emergency first aid in a practical, supportive environment designed for everyday people, not just health professionals.

Read on for the full step-by-step guide to helping a choking adult the Australian way.