Imagine this: someone starts choking while you’re all at the family dinner. However, they are significantly bigger than you, so the standard first aid techniques you are familiar with will not be effective. It’s frightening, isn’t it?
In actuality, anyone may choke, and your stature shouldn’t be a barrier to offering assistance. When things get real, this book has your back with practical steps, regardless of how big the person is, how small you are, or both.
Why Choking Is So Dangerous and What It Is
When something, generally food, becomes lodged in the throat and obstructs ventilation, choking occurs. Within minutes, the person may faint if air cannot pass through their airways. In the absence of oxygen, brain damage or even death may occur rapidly.
How to Determine Whether Someone Is Choking
Here are the biggest red flags:
- Grasping their throat (a universal symbol)
- Not being able to cough, breathe, or speak
- Creating strange, high-pitched noises or making no sound at all
- Turning blue or pale
- Panicking or pointing to their mouth
In summary, if they are unable to breathe or speak, they are in danger and require immediate assistance.
Why It’s Tough to Help a Bigger Person
“I can’t even get my arms around them—what now?” is probably what’s on your mind.
- That is a legitimate worry.
- Larger or obese individuals may require adjusted techniques because:
- You can’t reach around their abdomen
- Lifting them is unrealistic or risky
- They might already be seated or have mobility issues
- Don’t worry, though; we’ll go over exactly what to do in these situations.
Try these to help them, - Remain composed and move quickly
- A life can be saved by your composure. Do not panic. If the individual is still awake:
If they are able, encourage them to cough. - Find out if they can breathe or speak.
- Let them keep trying to clear it themselves if air is still getting through
- If they can’t do any of that, it’s go-time.
The Basics: What Normally Works
1. The Heimlich maneuver (Abdominal Thrusts)
Works great for average-sized adults
Hard to perform on someone who’s bigger than you
Stand behind them
Make a fist just above their belly button
Pull inward and upward sharply
But here’s the kicker: this doesn’t always work for larger bodies.
What to Do If You Can’t Reach Around Them
Try chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. They’re safe and effective.
How to Do It:
Stand behind the person or kneel if they’re sitting.
Place your fist in the center of their chest (between the nipples).
Grab your fist with your other hand.
Push inward and slightly up with strong, quick movements.
Repeat this motion until the object comes out or emergency help arrives.
If They’re Sitting and Too Heavy to Move
Don’t try to lift them—just work with the position they’re in.
Kneel behind the chair
Perform chest thrusts from that angle
Use your body weight to help generate force
It’s not about strength—it’s about leverage.
If They Collapse or Go Unconscious
Here’s what to do:
Call emergency services immediately (or have someone else do it)
Start CPR right away—focus on chest compressions
After every 30 compressions, check their mouth
If you see the object, carefully try to remove it
Don’t waste time looking for tools—just start compressions.
Can Anti-Choking Devices Help?
Absolutely. Tools like LifeVac or Dechoker have saved lives, especially when traditional moves aren’t working.
They work by creating suction to pull the object out.
Great option for people who can’t be lifted or moved easily.
Easy to use, even with minimal training.
Keep one at home—you never know when you’ll need it.
What You Should NEVER Do
- Don’t hit someone’s back while they’re upright and silent—it can make it worse.
- Don’t stick your fingers in their mouth unless you see the object.
- Don’t try to drag or lift them—injuries are likely for both of you.
When to Call Emergency Services
Call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately if:
- The person can’t breathe, cough, or talk
- They go unconscious
- Your efforts aren’t working
While you wait:
- Keep trying chest thrusts or CPR
- Stay on the line with the operator for guidance
Be Prepared Before It Happens
Want to really be a hero someday? Do this now:
Take a first aid & CPR course
Learn techniques for different body types
Practice on a dummy if possible
Teach others in your home or workplace
Preparedness isn’t just smart—it’s powerful.
Staying Mentally Strong in the Moment
It’s easy to freak out—but here’s how to stay cool:
Take one deep breath.
Focus on the next small step, not the whole problem.
Know that doing something is always better than doing nothing.
You don’t have to be perfect—just be present.
Special Situations to Be Aware Of
In a Wheelchair:
- Don’t remove them.
- Lean them forward and do back blows.
- Then switch to chest thrusts from behind.
On a Bed or Couch:
- Roll them to their side if possible.
- Do chest thrusts with your body behind theirs.
In Tight Spaces (Cars, Elevators):
- Do your best with chest thrusts while they’re seated.
- Push against a seat or wall for more pressure.
Concluding Remarks:
You’ve Got This. It’s terrible to assist someone who is choking, especially someone larger than you. You don’t have to be a superhero, though. You can save a life if you have the proper skills and a calm mentality.
Don’t allow your size to hold you back. Every second counts, and what you do could have a huge impact.
FAQs
- What if I can’t get my arms around the person?
No problem. Use chest thrusts instead. They’re just as effective and safer in this case. - Can I use a chair or a wall to help?
Yes! Stabilizing the person with a firm surface can give you better leverage. - Are anti-choking tools worth buying?
Yes—especially if you live with children, the elderly, or someone overweight. - What if I accidentally hurt the person?
In a life-or-death moment, saving the airway is a priority. Injuries can be treated later. - How can I stay calm during an emergency?
Focus on breathing, follow the steps you’ve learned, and remember—even trying helps.
