Choking

Question 1

What are the signs of mild choking?

Answer 1

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Ability to speak or cry

Mild choking allows some air to pass through, enabling the person to cough and clear the obstruction themselves.

Question 2

Identify the signs of severe choking.

Answer 2

• Inability to speak, cry, or cough
• Silent coughing
• Blue skin or lips

Severe choking indicates a complete airway blockage, requiring immediate intervention.

Question 3

True or False:

A responsive adult with mild choking needs immediate abdominal thrusts.

Answer 3

False

For mild choking, encourage the person to continue coughing to clear the obstruction naturally.

Question 4

What is the initial step in caring for a responsive adult with severe choking?

Answer 4

Perform abdominal thrusts

Abdominal thrusts are the recommended method to relieve severe choking in responsive adults. The term “Heimlich maneuver” is no longer commonly used in official first aid training materials.

Question 5

What should you do if a choking child becomes unresponsive?

Answer 5

Start CPR beginning with chest compressions

When a choking child becomes unresponsive, begin CPR with chest compressions—not rescue breaths—as compressions may help dislodge the obstruction. Activate EMS as soon as possible if not already done.

Question 6

Fill in the blanks:

For a choking infant, deliver ______ back blows followed by ______ chest thrusts.

Answer 6

5; 5

This sequence is designed to create enough force to dislodge the obstruction in an infant’s airway.

Question 7

Describe how to perform back blows on a choking infant.

Answer 7

• Hold the infant face down on your forearm
• Support the head and neck with your hand
• Deliver 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades

Proper support and positioning are crucial to safely and effectively perform back blows on an infant.

Question 8

True or False:

You should perform a blind finger sweep on a choking infant.

Answer 8

False

Performing a blind finger sweep may push the object further into the airway. Only attempt if you can see the object clearly.

Question 9

When should you call 911 during a choking event?

Answer 9

• If the person becomes unresponsive
• If the person cannot breathe, speak, or cough

Immediate medical assistance is critical in severe choking or if the victim becomes unresponsive.

Question 10

What is the primary goal of CPR when performed on an unresponsive choking victim?

Answer 10

To dislodge the object and restore breathing.

CPR combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to circulate oxygen and potentially expel the obstructing object.

Question 11

How should you position your hands for abdominal thrusts on a choking adult?

Answer 11

• Make a fist with one hand.
• Position it above the navel.
• Grasp the fist with the other hand and perform quick, upward thrusts.

Correct hand positioning ensures effective force application to dislodge the obstruction.

Question 12

What should you do if an adult choking victim is pregnant or obese?

Answer 12

Perform chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts

Chest thrusts are safer and more effective for these individuals due to anatomical differences.

Question 13

Explain the role of chest compressions in CPR for an unresponsive choking victim.

Answer 13

• Help circulate oxygenated blood.
• May dislodge the airway obstruction.

Chest compressions are critical in maintaining circulation and potentially freeing the obstruction.

Question 14

What is the first step when you see someone choking?

Answer 14

Ask if they are choking and need help.

Confirming the person is choking enables you to assess the severity and respond appropriately.

Question 15

True or False:

You should perform rescue breaths before chest compressions on an unresponsive choking victim.

Answer 15

False

Start with chest compressions in an unresponsive choking victim. Compressions may help dislodge the object blocking the airway before rescue breaths can be effective, following Red Cross CPR guidelines.

Question 16

List the actions to take if a choking child’s airway is partially blocked.

Answer 16

• Encourage coughing
• Monitor for changes

A partial blockage allows some air movement, so encourage coughing to clear it.

Question 17

What should you do if an infant’s choking isn’t relieved after back blows and chest thrusts?

Answer 17

Call 911 and continue the sequence until help arrives.

Persistent obstruction requires professional medical intervention.

Question 18

Why is it important not to slap a choking adult on the back?

Answer 18

It may worsen the obstruction.

Slapping the back can inadvertently push the object further down the airway.

Question 19

Describe the positioning for chest thrusts on a choking adult.

Answer 19

• Stand behind the person.
• Place your arms under their armpits.
• Position the fist at the center of the chest and pull inward.

Chest thrusts are used for individuals where abdominal thrusts are not feasible.

Question 20

What is the recommended action if a choking victim becomes unresponsive while help is on the way?

Answer 20

Begin CPR immediately.

CPR is vital to maintain circulation and aid in expelling the obstruction until professional help arrives.

Question 21

True or False:

Mild choking always progresses to severe choking.

Answer 21

False

Many mild choking cases resolve on their own through effective coughing. Monitor the person closely in case the blockage worsens.

Question 22

What is the most important action if a person is choking and becomes silent?

Answer 22

Assume the airway is blocked and begin immediate intervention.

Silence is a key sign of severe choking. The absence of sound or cough means the airway is likely fully blocked.

Question 23

What is a sign that back blows or chest thrusts have worked in an infant?

Answer 23

The infant starts crying, coughing, or breathing normally.

These are signs the airway has been cleared and normal breathing has resumed.

Question 24

True or False:

You should give water to someone after a choking incident is resolved.

Answer 24

False

Wait to offer anything by mouth until the person is fully recovered and breathing normally. Consult medical personnel if needed.

Question 25

How do you perform chest thrusts on a **pregnant** choking adult?

Answer 25

Place your hands on the center of the chest and perform quick, inward thrusts. ## Footnote Chest thrusts avoid pressure on the abdomen and are safer for pregnant individuals.

Question 26

What **device** can help responders provide care during choking emergencies?

Answer 26

A CPR mask with a one-way valve. ## Footnote This protects the responder during rescue breaths and can also be used during CPR after a choking incident.

Question 27

When should you **stop** performing abdominal thrusts?

Answer 27

When the object is **expelled** or the person becomes **unresponsive**. ## Footnote If the person becomes unresponsive, switch to CPR and activate EMS if not already done.

Question 28

# True or False: It's safe to shake a choking infant to dislodge the object.

Answer 28

False ## Footnote Never shake an infant. Use back blows and chest thrusts to clear the airway safely.

Question 29

What should you do after successfully **relieving** choking in an **adult**?

Answer 29

Recommend medical evaluation. ## Footnote Internal injuries or remaining partial blockages may require assessment, even if the person appears fine.

Question 30

Why is it important to **continue CPR** even if the object is **not visibly expelled**?

Answer 30

Compressions may still help dislodge the object and keep oxygenated blood circulating. ## Footnote CPR can maintain vital circulation while also increasing pressure to clear the airway.