A person who is choking (has complete airway obstruction):

• Can't cry, talk, breathe, or cough.
• May grasp throat.
• May become severely anxious or agitated.
• May turn blue or dusky in color.
• May pass out.

A choking rescue procedure (the Heimlich maneuver) is used to clear an obstruction in adults and children over 1 year of age. Back blows and abdominal thrusts are used in babies under 1 year of age.