← Help in Grant County

Someone is choking

Use when someone can't breathe, talk or cough because food or something is stuck in their throat, or is holding their throat. Includes babies and children.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.

1Is it choking?

You can ask"Are you choking?" If they can cough hard or talk, let them keep coughing. Stay with them.
If they can't breathe, talk or cough, or are making high-pitched sounds, act now. Have someone call 911.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7

2Adult or child over 1 year

Stand behind them and lean them forward.
Give 5 hard back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
Then give 5 abdominal thrusts: make a fist just above the belly button, grab it with your other hand, and pull in and up hard.
Keep switching 5 back blows and 5 thrusts until the object comes out or they can breathe.
If the person is pregnant or very large, put your fist in the center of the chest instead and pull straight back.
If you're alone and choking: thrust your belly hard against the back of a chair or counter.

3Baby under 1 year

Hold the baby face down along your forearm, head lower than the chest, supporting the jaw.
Give 5 back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
Turn the baby face up and give 5 chest pushes with 2 fingers in the center of the chest.
Keep switching until the object comes out. Never put your finger in the mouth unless you can see the object.

4If they pass out

Lay them on the floor, make sure 911 is called, and start CPR. Look in the mouth before breaths and take out anything you can see.
Use the guide "Someone collapsed, isn't breathing, or won't wake up".

5After

Anyone who needed abdominal thrusts should see a doctor, even if they feel fine.
Hidalgo Medical Services
Call4Health: After-hours nurse advice line
855-742-3400
· After hours

6Learn it before you need it

You can say"A short class makes it much easier to act fast."
Silver City Fire Department
CPR, AED and First Aid certification classes ($35)
575-538-2591
1011 N Hudson Street, Silver City
Silver City Fire Department
Free Stop the Bleed class
575-538-2591
1011 N Hudson Street, Silver City

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.