What care should you provide to a conscious adult who is choking?

When caring for a conscious adult who is choking, the appropriate intervention involves providing abdominal thrusts (often referred to as the Heimlich maneuver) combined with back blows. This combination is critical as it applies pressure to the abdomen to expel the obstruction while also delivering supportive blows to the back, which can help dislodge the item causing the choking.

Abdominal thrusts work by creating a sudden increase in pressure within the abdomen, helping to push the object out of the airway. Back blows, administered between the shoulder blades, can effectively create vibrations that might also dislodge the obstruction. This two-pronged approach is much more effective than using either method in isolation, as it maximizes the chances of clearing the airway.

While encouraging someone to cough forcefully is generally good advice when they can still breathe, it does not offer enough intervention for someone who is choking severely and is in immediate danger of losing their ability to breathe. The combination of abdominal thrusts and back blows is specifically designed for such emergencies, providing a clear and actionable response for lifeguards and first responders.