Choking Hazards You Didn’t Know Were Dangerous

The opening in the human throat which allows air to flow into and out of our lungs is called the larynx or glottic opening. This small passage is critical to us being able to breathe normally and ensures our body gets the oxygen it needs and releases the gases our body no longer requires.

If this opening is blocked or obstructed by a solid foreign body (substance), the person will be experiencing an episode of choking. If the obstruction is complete (i.e. there is no air movement in or out) then vital oxygen cannot be inhaled and the person will become unconscious, collapse and eventually stop breathing and possibly die if the obstruction cannot be removed in time.

This is a true medical emergency that does not discriminate against age or gender. Anyone can choke at any moment in time if care isn’t taking when we are consuming food or liquid. We often are asked how big does this foreign substance need to be and what can we possibly choke on?

The answer to this question might be quite surprising to many of us. To understand this, we must first understand what size this opening is. A quick google search provides us with some guidance. In adults the width of the glottic opening differs between males and/or females but on average is between 5mm (0.5cm) at rest and 14mm (1.4cm) whilst taking a deep breath. In children and infants this opening is smaller.

So, to answer the question regarding what size does a foreign body need to be to cause someone to choke on, the answer is really anything larger than 14mm (1.4cm) for adults and possibly 9-10mm (1cm) for younger persons. Examples could include but are certainly not limited to items such as whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, raw vegetables, hard lollies, marbles, olives, small toys etc.

So, what do we do if a person is choking. As always in first aid training, prevention is better than cure, however, if you come across someone who is choking, the Australian and New Zealand Committee on resuscitation guidelines, ANZCOR, 2025, Guideline 4 – Airway, accessed 18 July 2025, suggest back blows and chest thrusts should be performed as part of following the DRSABCD action plan.