Saving a choking victim may require modification depending on the height, weight, age, and gender of the victim.
For pregnant and obese victims, the rescuer should complete standard back blows. Abdominal thrusts should be adjusted such that the rescuer's hands are a little bit higher, with the knuckle of their thumb at the base of the breastbone, just above the joining of the lowest ribs.
For infants, the rescuer should modify back blows such that the infant is positioned face-down and back thumps are administered to the top of their back. Typically, modified back blows are enough to dislodge the object from an infant's throat. If the infant is still choking, the rescuer can proceed with modified abdominal thrusts. These modified abdominal thrusts should only use 2–3 finger compressions below the infant's breastbone. Normal abdominal thrusts should NOT be performed on infants.
If no one is present to help a choking victim, the victim can give themselves abdominal thrusts via a chair or countertop. The victim should place their hands according to a traditional abdominal thrust and bend over a hard surface of a chair or countertop. They should shove their fist inward and upward. If the victim is able to clear the obstructing object, they should call 9-1-1 and seek medical attention.
