Safety, Fire & Survival · First Aid — Choking
A conscious adult is choking and cannot speak, cough, or breathe. The appropriate first action is:
- AGive them water to drink
- BLay them down and begin chest compressions
- CDeliver back blows and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) to expel the obstruction✓ Correct
- DWait to see if the obstruction clears on its own
Explanation
For a conscious adult with a complete airway obstruction, alternate back blows between the shoulder blades and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) to raise intrathoracic pressure and dislodge the object. If they become unconscious, begin CPR and look for the object before breaths.
Authority: Ship Captain's Medical Guide; first-aid guidance
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