In the context of severe airway obstruction with symptoms, what action should be started?

• A. Back blows
• B. Wait and see
• C. Abdominal or chest thrusts
• D. Sucking out with a straw

Answer: (C)

Severe airway obstruction in a conscious person is a situation where you must actively dislodge the blocking object by generating a quick, strong pressure change in the chest. Abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) are the standard first-line action for adults and children over 1 year. By delivering rapid inward and upward thrusts just below the rib cage, you raise intrathoracic pressure and often expel the trapped object, restoring airflow. If abdominal thrusts aren’t appropriate—such as in a pregnant person or someone who is very obese—switch to chest thrusts, using the same quick, inward chest compressions to achieve the same pressure increase. If the person loses consciousness, call for help and begin CPR with chest compressions and rescue breaths if you’re trained. Sucking out with a straw or waiting to see what happens aren’t effective responses for a true severe obstruction.