What to do when a patient’s airway is obstructed during an emergency: perform abdominal thrusts

What should be done if a patient's airway is obstructed during an emergency?

• A. Perform abdominal thrusts
• B. Immediately call for backup
• C. Administer IV fluids
• D. Check for pulse

Answer: (A)

When a patient's airway is obstructed during an emergency, performing abdominal thrusts is the recommended intervention, particularly in cases of choking. This technique is designed to create pressure in the abdomen, which can help expel the object blocking the airway. It is crucial in restoring normal breathing and preventing potential asphyxia. In situations of airway obstruction, immediate action is required to prevent the patient from losing consciousness or suffering serious harm. Abdominal thrusts effectively use the body's own force to dislodge the object, making it a key maneuver taught in first aid and emergency response protocols. The other options are not appropriate responses to a choking emergency. Calling for backup might be necessary if the situation escalates or additional help is needed, but it does not address the immediate threat of airway obstruction. Administering IV fluids is not relevant in the context of a blocked airway and would not assist in clearing the obstruction. Similarly, checking for pulse, while important in some scenarios, does not directly impact the treatment of a choking patient; the focus should be on clearing the airway first.

Airway Obstruction: Quick, life-saving steps you can take

Imagine you’re in a room with someone who suddenly can’t breathe. It’s scary, but the right move can make the difference between a temporary scare and a life-threatening crisis. In Los Angeles County and many other places, people are taught a core maneuver for exactly this kind of emergency. When a patient’s airway is blocked, the recommended action is abdominal thrusts. Also known as the Heimlich maneuver, this technique uses your body’s own force to dislodge the object and restore airflow. Let’s walk through what that looks like in real life.

The core move: abdominal thrusts for adults (and older children)

Here’s the thing about choking: time is of the essence. If someone can’t cough, speak, or breathe, a rapid response matters more than anything. Abdominal thrusts are designed to create a strong upward pressure that helps push the obstruction out of the airway.

How to perform them, step by step

• Confirm the signs. A true airway obstruction usually shows up as someone clutching the throat, making weak attempts to cough, or gasping for air. If you’re sure it’s a choking incident, it’s time to act.

• Position yourself. Stand behind the person if you can. If you’re assisting a taller adult, you may wrap your arms around their waist from behind.

• Make your fist. Place the thumb side of your fist just above the navel, but well below the ribcage. Grasp your fist with the other hand to get a solid grip.

• Give quick, upward thrusts. The goal is a strong, upward pressure that can pop the obstruction free. Repeat until the object is expelled or the person can breathe, cough, or speak again.

• If the person becomes unconscious, call for emergency help right away and start CPR if you’re trained to do so.

A few important twists for different bodies

• Pregnant or very overweight adults. Abdominal thrusts can be unsafe in these cases because of the way pressure is transmitted. Instead, use chest thrusts: stand behind the person, place your hands in the same position but press harder into the chest rather than the abdomen.

• Children older than one year. The same general idea applies, but it’s often taught as “back blows followed by abdominal thrusts.” A health professional or certified instructor can show precise hand placement for kids.

• Infants under one year. This is a different procedure entirely, focused on gentle back slaps and chest compressions. It’s crucial to be trained to handle infants correctly, as their bodies are more delicate.

What if you’re alone and choking?

If you find yourself alone and unable to clear your own airway, call for help if you can. If you’re able, use a hands-free device to contact emergency services while you perform abdominal thrusts on yourself or try to cough. In an emergency, getting outside help as soon as possible is still the best bet.

What not to do in a choking emergency

• Don’t poke your fingers into the mouth in an attempt to “clear” the airway unless you clearly see a large object that you can safely remove. Blind sweeps can push an object deeper.

• Don’t rely on IV fluids to fix a blocked airway. Fluids won’t clear a blockage and won’t help you breathe.

• Don’t wait to see if the person will “get better on their own.” Obstructions can progress quickly, and delaying can be fatal.

Why this matters in LA County and beyond

First aid training, in organizations across Los Angeles County, emphasizes swift, decisive action in choking emergencies. The skill set isn’t just academic—it’s practical, muscle-memory territory. You might never need it, but if you do, it’s the difference between a fleeting scare and a serious outcome. In communities with diverse populations and busy, fast-paced environments, knowing how to respond calmly and effectively is a civic value as much as a personal one.

Where to learn and practice

If you want to gain confidence in these maneuvers, there are hands-on resources you can tap into:

• Red Cross and American Heart Association courses offer practical, in-person guidance on choking relief, CPR, and related life-saving skills.

• Local community colleges, hospitals, and fire departments in the LA area often host short courses that cover airway obstruction techniques for adults and children.

• Online refreshers can be helpful, but hands-on practice with a trained instructor is the best way to lock in the motions and timing.

Real-life moments people remember

Here’s a small, real-world flavor of how this plays out. A coworker who stayed calm during a sudden choke helped someone in the break room using abdominal thrusts. The object popped free, breathing resumed, and the room’s mood shifted from panic to relief in seconds. It’s not drama; it’s practice in a heartbeat—knowing what to do, doing it, and watching a potentially dangerous moment turn into a routine recovery.

A note on the broader picture

Airway obstruction is just one scenario where quick, clear thinking matters. In many settings—hospitals, schools, athletic venues, or busy households—people learn a suite of safety skills that complement one another: recognizing distress cues, summoning help, starting CPR if needed, and using airway-clearing maneuvers when appropriate. The thread that ties it all together is training that emphasizes action without hesitation, plus a respect for the person on the receiving end of the care.

Let me explain how all of this comes together

Think of it as a rhythm you memorize: identify, respond, reassess, and adjust. First, you identify a life-threatening clue—the person can’t breathe, can’t talk, can’t cough effectively. Then you respond with abdominal thrusts or chest thrusts depending on the body. Then you reassess by listening for sounds of air or seeing chest rises, and adjust as needed—continuing the maneuver, or moving to a different technique if the situation changes (for example, transitioning from abdominal to chest thrusts for a pregnant person). Finally, you seek professional help, especially if the obstruction persists or the person loses consciousness.

A final takeaway

If you’re ever faced with a choking emergency, remember this simple truth: the quickest, most decisive action to restore airflow is a well-executed abdominal thrust. It uses your own strength to create pressure that can dislodge the blockage and get breathing back on track. That’s the core skill taught in LA County’s safety guidance and widely encouraged by training programs here. It’s practical, it saves time, and it’s something you can learn with a little hands-on guidance and practice.

If you’d like to explore this topic further, seek a local, reputable course. You’ll walk away not just with the steps, but with the confidence that comes from knowing you’d act decisively in a moment that truly matters. And if you ever find yourself in a situation where someone’s airway is blocked, you’ll be ready—not rattled, not unsure, but capable of making the difference between a scary moment and a safe outcome.