Which action is used to relieve choking in a responsive adult or child?

Which action is used to relieve choking in a responsive adult or child?

• A. Abdominal thrusts
• B. Chest compressions
• C. Mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing
• D. Wait for medical help

Answer: (A)

When someone who is conscious is choking, the goal is to quickly dislodge the obstruction from the airway. Abdominal thrusts achieve this by producing a sudden, strong increase in air pressure in the chest. The quick upward and inward motions force air out of the lungs, which helps to push the blockage out of the airway through the mouth. This direct action targets the blockage and is the recommended response for a responsive adult or child who is choking. Chest compressions are focused on circulating blood when there is no pulse; they don’t clear an airway obstruction. Mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing isn’t the appropriate method to relieve a choking airway blockage in a conscious person, and waiting for help delays relief. If the person becomes unresponsive, you would transition to CPR and check the mouth for the object as you go.

When someone who is conscious is choking, the goal is to quickly dislodge the obstruction from the airway. Abdominal thrusts achieve this by producing a sudden, strong increase in air pressure in the chest. The quick upward and inward motions force air out of the lungs, which helps to push the blockage out of the airway through the mouth. This direct action targets the blockage and is the recommended response for a responsive adult or child who is choking.

Chest compressions are focused on circulating blood when there is no pulse; they don’t clear an airway obstruction. Mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing isn’t the appropriate method to relieve a choking airway blockage in a conscious person, and waiting for help delays relief. If the person becomes unresponsive, you would transition to CPR and check the mouth for the object as you go.