Choking & CPR — 2025 AHA/AAP Protocols
Version 1.0 · Last reviewed July 2026 · Review cadence: Quarterly (immediate on major guideline changes)
Confirm this live card before relying on any number or rule below. This card changes on a Quarterly (immediate on major guideline changes) cadence.
CHOKING — THE RESPONSE DIFFERS BY AGE. THIS IS THE MOST-TESTED DISTINCTION.
INFANT under 1 year, conscious and choking: 5 back blows (heel of the hand, between the shoulder blades, baby face-down and head-down along your forearm), then 5 CHEST thrusts (heel of one hand, center of the chest). Repeat the cycle. NEVER abdominal thrusts on an infant under 1.
CHILD 1 year and older, conscious and choking: 5 back blows, then 5 ABDOMINAL thrusts (the Heimlich). Repeat the cycle.
If the child becomes UNRESPONSIVE at any point: lower to the ground, call 911 (or have someone call), and begin CPR.
CPR — THE RATIO IS THE SAME AT EVERY AGE
30 compressions to 2 breaths. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest — about 100–120 compressions per minute. Infant: two fingers, about 1.5 inches deep. Child: one or two hands, about 2 inches deep. Continue until the child responds or help arrives.
This card is not a substitute for hands-on certification. Current CPR and First Aid certification is required, renewed every two years.
This card reinforces — never replaces — current hands-on AHA or Red Cross certification.