For a conscious adult with a severe airway obstruction, which technique is recommended?

• A. Abdominal thrusts
• B. Chest compressions
• C. Heimlich maneuver on the chest
• D. Continuous back blows

Answer: (A)

When someone is a conscious adult with a severe airway obstruction, the best move is abdominal thrusts. This maneuver quickly increases pressure inside the chest, helping to pop the blockage out of the airway so air can flow again. It’s aimed at the airway while the person can respond and breathe, unlike chest compressions which are for CPR when someone is unresponsive or not breathing. The option described as performing the Heimlich on the chest isn’t correct, because the target is above the navel to create the necessary airway pressure. If the obstruction doesn’t clear or the person becomes unresponsive, call for help and start CPR with chest compressions and rescue breaths.