Red Cross Lifeguard Practice Test

What is the appropriate response if a victim is conscious but choking?

1. Administer back blows

2. Perform abdominal thrusts

3. Encourage the victim to cough

4. Call emergency services

The correct answer is: Perform abdominal thrusts

When a victim is conscious but choking, performing abdominal thrusts is considered the most effective response. This method involves applying pressure to the abdomen, just above the navel, which create a force that can help expel the object blocking the airway. Abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, are specifically designed to create enough internal pressure to dislodge the object and restore the victim's ability to breathe. While administering back blows or encouraging the victim to cough are also responses to choking, they are generally less effective in severe cases. Back blows may help if the object is small and can be dislodged by shockwaves, but they are not always sufficient for larger obstructions. Encouraging the victim to cough can be useful for clearing less serious blockages when they are able to do so effectively, but if the airway is severely obstructed, coughing may not be strong enough to remove the obstruction. Calling emergency services is crucial if the situation escalates or if the victim loses consciousness, as professional help may be needed. However, in the moment of a conscious choking victim, the priority is to attempt to remove the obstruction with abdominal thrusts.