A choking victim who cannot speak or cough loudly should be treated with which technique?

• A. The Heimlich maneuver
• B. Rescue breaths
• C. Chest compressions
• D. Rescue breathing without compressions

Answer: (A)

When someone is choking and cannot speak or cough, the goal is to rapidly dislodge the blockage to restore airflow. Abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) achieve this by delivering a quick, strong upward pressure just below the ribcage. That pressure increases air flow from the lungs and can push the object out of the airway, clearing the obstruction. Rescue breaths aren’t effective here because the airway is blocked, so air can’t reach the lungs to救—trying breaths won’t clear the blockage and won’t help until the object is removed. Chest compressions are aimed at circulating blood when there’s no pulse, not at clearing a choking obstruction in a conscious person. If the object isn’t expelled or the person becomes unresponsive, seek emergency help and begin CPR with rescue breaths and chest compressions as appropriate.