The few minutes before an ambulance arrives can matter most. What every parent should know about choking, the recovery position, and CPR — and where to learn it properly.
Choking, a fall, or a sudden collapse can happen in seconds. Knowing the basics — and having practised them — buys crucial time before paramedics arrive. This is an orientation for parents; the actual step-by-step technique differs for babies and children, so learn it from St John Ambulance, the British Red Cross, or the NHS, and refresh it regularly.
The response to choking depends on whether the child can still cough or breathe. If they can cough, encourage it. If they cannot clear the blockage, first aid uses back blows and then abdominal thrusts (the technique is different for a baby under one). An unresponsive child who is breathing should be placed in the recovery position; one who is not breathing needs CPR. Because the exact steps and ratios differ by age and are easy to misremember, this page points you to the authorities rather than replacing hands-on training.
In your child's behaviour
Learn the technique before you need it
Do a short paediatric first-aid course or follow the free step-by-step guides from St John Ambulance, the British Red Cross, or the NHS. Knowing choking first aid, the recovery position, and child CPR is far more useful than reading about it in a crisis.
Reduce choking risk for young children
Cut food such as grapes and cherry tomatoes lengthways, avoid whole nuts for under-5s, keep small parts and button batteries out of reach, and supervise meals. Most childhood choking involves food or small objects.
Keep emergency information to hand
Have a stocked first-aid kit, know the fastest route to A&E, and keep 999, 111, and your GP's number visible. Teach older children how and when to call 999 themselves.
In immediate danger: call 999. For non-emergency police matters, call 101.
Concerned about a child but it's not an emergency? NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000. Childline for young people 0800 1111.
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
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Last reviewed: 2026-07-27