When a choking person becomes unresponsive, this is a medical emergency. The person should be gently lowered to the ground, and emergency services should be called right away. Care should shift immediately to CPR, starting with chest compressions, because this can help move air and may also help dislodge the object blocking the airway.
Chest compressions are done first, before trying rescue breaths. After a set of compressions, the mouth should be opened to look for any visible object. If something can be clearly seen and easily removed, it should be taken out, but blind finger sweeps should be avoided because they can push the object deeper. If rescue breaths do not make the chest rise, compressions should be restarted right away.
Timing is critical in choking emergencies. Without oxygen, the brain can suffer serious injury within minutes. CPR cycles should continue until the object comes out, the person starts breathing again, or emergency professionals arrive and take over care.
Anyone who becomes unresponsive from choking should be medically evaluated afterward, even if they seem to recover, as complications can still occur.