What is a common first-aid response to choking in an adult without a medical device?

What is a common first-aid response to choking in an adult without a medical device?

• A. Heimlich maneuver/abdominal thrusts until object dislodged or the person becomes conscious.
• B. Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation with chest compressions only.
• C. Back blows only.
• D. Finger sweep to remove object.

Answer: (A)

When an adult is choking and still conscious, the priority is to clear the airway quickly. Abdominal thrusts, the Heimlich maneuver, create a strong exhale by applying quick upward pressure beneath the ribcage, which can pop the obstructing object out of the airway. You repeat this until the object is expelled or the person can breathe, speak, or cough again. If the person loses consciousness, call for help and begin CPR, starting with chest compressions; look for the object only if it’s clearly visible and can be removed safely with a finger sweep. This approach targets the airway obstruction directly, which is why it’s the recommended first aid. Braack blows and chest-compression-only CPR don’t address the blockage as effectively in a conscious choking adult, and a blind finger sweep can push the object deeper or cause harm.

When an adult is choking and still conscious, the priority is to clear the airway quickly. Abdominal thrusts, the Heimlich maneuver, create a strong exhale by applying quick upward pressure beneath the ribcage, which can pop the obstructing object out of the airway. You repeat this until the object is expelled or the person can breathe, speak, or cough again. If the person loses consciousness, call for help and begin CPR, starting with chest compressions; look for the object only if it’s clearly visible and can be removed safely with a finger sweep. This approach targets the airway obstruction directly, which is why it’s the recommended first aid. Braack blows and chest-compression-only CPR don’t address the blockage as effectively in a conscious choking adult, and a blind finger sweep can push the object deeper or cause harm.