What should be done for a conscious adult or child who is choking?

For a conscious adult or child who is choking, abdominal thrusts are the appropriate intervention. This technique, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, is designed to expel a foreign object obstructing the airway. By performing abdominal thrusts, the rescuer creates an upward pressure in the abdomen, which can help dislodge the blockage from the airway.

When a person is choking, they typically cannot speak or breathe effectively, and they may display distress or panic. Abdominal thrusts involve positioning the hands just above the person’s navel and performing quick, forceful thrusts inward and upward. This action is often successful in clearing the airway and allowing the victim to breathe again.

Other options, such as back slaps or chest thrusts, may be effective in certain situations—such as performing back slaps on infants or using chest thrusts if the person is pregnant. However, for a conscious adult or child, abdominal thrusts are the standard and most effective method to manage choking. Encouraging coughing may be appropriate for a person who is still able to make sounds and has partial blockage, but in cases of complete obstruction, action must be taken swiftly and decisively, which is why abdominal thrusts are the preferred choice.