What is the correct procedure for conscious choking in an adult or child?

What is the correct procedure for conscious choking in an adult or child?

• A. Back blows are the only step to use.
• B. Perform abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or the person becomes unable to respond.
• C. Give chest compressions only.
• D. Offer water to wash it down.

Answer: (B)

When someone is conscious and choking, the goal is to force air past the blockage so the object can be expelled. Abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) do this by generating a strong inward and upward pressure that raises intrathoracic pressure, helping to pop the obstruction out of the airway. You continue performing abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or the person can no longer respond. If the person loses consciousness, you stop the choking maneuvers and begin CPR, calling for help, and check the mouth for the object, removing it if visible. Water won’t clear a blockage and isn’t a correct step, and chest compressions alone don’t relieve a conscious choking. Back blows aren’t the sole method for conscious choking in adults or children, but the abdominal thrusts are the primary maneuver used to relieve the obstruction.

When someone is conscious and choking, the goal is to force air past the blockage so the object can be expelled. Abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) do this by generating a strong inward and upward pressure that raises intrathoracic pressure, helping to pop the obstruction out of the airway. You continue performing abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or the person can no longer respond. If the person loses consciousness, you stop the choking maneuvers and begin CPR, calling for help, and check the mouth for the object, removing it if visible. Water won’t clear a blockage and isn’t a correct step, and chest compressions alone don’t relieve a conscious choking. Back blows aren’t the sole method for conscious choking in adults or children, but the abdominal thrusts are the primary maneuver used to relieve the obstruction.