Choking deaths per year U.S. 1945-2024| ��ƽ��

Number of deaths due to choking in the United States from 1945 to 2024

Characteristic	Number of deaths
2024	5,923
2023	5,529
2022	5,553
2021	5,325
2020	4,963
2019	5,228
2018	5,084
2017	5,216
2016	4,829
2015	5,051
2014	4,816
2013	4,864
2012	4,634
2011	4,708
2010	4,570
2009	4,370
2008	4,366
2007	4,344
2006	4,332
2005	4,386
2004	4,470
2003	4,272
2002	4,128
2001	4,185
2000	4,313
1995	3,185
1990	3,303
1985	3,551
1980	3,249
1975	3,106
1970	2,753
1965	1,836
1960	2,397
1955	1,608
1950	1,350
1945	897

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Release date

2026

More information

Region

United States

Survey time period

1945 to 2024

Supplementary notes

Choking is the inhalation of food or other object obstructing breathing.

The release date represents the date figures were accessed.

Citation formats

In 2024, there were around 5,923 choking deaths in the United States. Death from choking is more common among the elderly with food most often responsible for such incidents. The use of abdominal thrusts, or the Heimlich Maneuver, is suggested to dislodge objects and prevent suffocation.

Death from choking

In the United States, the odds of one dying from choking on food is around 1 in 2,461. These odds are greater than the odds of dying from an accidental gun discharge or as a passenger on a plane. In 2023, there were around 1.7 deaths from choking per 100,000 population.

Choking among children

Choking is also hazardous among young children. Young children are not only in danger of choking on food, but also of choking on small objects, such as toys with small parts. Choking, strangulation, or suffocation are some of the leading reasons for the recall of children’s products in the United States. The other most common reasons for such recalls include the danger of bodily harm and risk of flammability, burn or electric shock.