If a responsive choking person becomes unresponsive, you should call 911 immediately, gently lower them to the ground, and begin CPR. Start with chest compressions, check the mouth for visible obstructions, and provide rescue breaths only if the airway is clear. Continue care until emergency medical services arrive or the person begins to breathe.
This guide will walk you through how to recognize the warning signs of a worsening choking emergency and the exact steps to take if someone loses consciousness while choking. We’ve explained the signs and the steps you need to take in detail below so you can respond quickly and confidently when every second counts.
Signs a Choking Person Is Becoming Unresponsive
When someone’s choking, things can go from scary to life-threatening in seconds. If a person who was alert and choking starts to fade, it means their airway might be fully blocked and they’re at risk of passing out. You need to act fast.
Here are the signs that a responsive choking person is becoming unresponsive:
- They suddenly can’t talk or cough anymore.
If their cough dies out or they go quiet, it likely means the blockage is getting worse. - There’s little to no sound when they try to breathe in.
A faint wheeze, squeaky inhale, or total silence is a major red flag. - Their skin starts turning blue or gray, especially the lips and fingertips.
This is a sign they’re not getting enough oxygen—and it’s serious. - They become unresponsive to you.
If they stop reacting, seem spaced out, or don’t respond when you talk or touch them, that’s a clear sign they’re fading. - They collapse or slump down.
If they fall, it means they’ve likely lost consciousness and need immediate CPR.
Immediate Steps to Take if a Responsive Choking Person Becomes Unresponsive
When someone who’s choking suddenly becomes unresponsive, you need to act quickly. Here are the things you need to do right away when they become unresponsive:
1. Lower Them to the Ground and Check Responsiveness
As soon as the person becomes unresponsive, gently lower them to the ground to prevent injury from a fall. Once they’re safely on the ground, check for responsiveness by shouting their name and tapping their shoulder. If they don’t respond, it’s a sign that immediate life-saving measures are needed.
2. Call for Emergency Help Immediately
- If you’re alone: Call 911 right away before starting CPR.
- If someone is with you: Ask them to call 911 and locate an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), if available.
3. Start CPR Without Delay
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing or is only gasping:
- Begin CPR with 30 chest compressions.
- Place your hands in the center of the chest.
- Push hard and fast—at least 2 inches deep for adults, at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
- Let the chest fully recoil between compressions.
- Don’t stop to give breaths until you’ve completed the first 30 compressions.
4. Perform Modified CPR for a Choking Victim
When someone is unresponsive due to choking, CPR is slightly modified to help remove the airway blockage.
For Adults and Children:
- Perform 30 compressions.
- Open the airway by tilting the head and lifting the chin.
- Look inside the mouth—if you see an object, remove it carefully.
- Attempt 2 rescue breaths. If the chest doesn’t rise, go back to compressions.
- Repeat the cycle: 30 compressions → check mouth → 2 breaths.
For Infants (under 1 year):
- Use 2 fingers just below the nipple line for compressions.
- Give 30 gentle compressions.
- Open the airway with a slight head tilt.
- Look into the mouth—remove any visible obstruction.
- Give 2 small puffs of air. If the chest doesn’t rise, continue CPR cycles.
5. Only Remove Visible Obstructions
Do not perform a blind finger sweep, as this can push the object deeper into the airway and make the situation worse. Only attempt to remove an obstruction if you can clearly see it and can safely grasp it without causing further harm. If no object is visible, continue CPR without delay.
6. Continue CPR Until Help Arrives or the Person Starts Breathing
Keep going. Don’t stop unless:
- The person starts breathing on their own.
- EMS personnel arrive and take over.
- You are completely exhausted and unable to continue.
If you stop CPR too soon, it can reduce the person’s chance of survival.
Also read: What Should You Do Before Giving Breaths to an Unresponsive Choking Person?
Importance of CPR and Choking Relief Training
Choking emergencies can unfold in seconds. One moment someone is coughing or signaling for help and the next, they collapse and become unresponsive. It’s a terrifying situation, and often there’s no time to wait for emergency services to arrive.
This is exactly why CPR and choking relief training is so important. It prepares you to act when someone’s life depends on it. You learn how to recognize the signs that a choking person is in serious danger, and what to do if they stop responding. That knowledge gives you the ability to move quickly and confidently, rather than freezing in panic. In an emergency where a choking victim becomes unresponsive, your training could be the difference between life and loss.
Conclusion
When a responsive choking person becomes unresponsive, it’s a life-threatening emergency. This is when your Basic Life Support (BLS) training kicks in—knowing how to recognize the situation, call for help, start CPR, and manage the airway with confidence.
BLS training prepares you for moments like this. It teaches you how to stay focused under pressure, perform effective chest compressions, and support someone until EMS arrives.
If you’re looking for the right place to get certified, Heart Start CPR offers BLS courses designed to build both skill and confidence. Our hands-on training is led by experienced instructors, and you’ll receive your official certification card the same day you complete the course.
So, don’t wait. Take the step, get trained, and be the reason someone survives.
