What action should you take if a passenger is unconscious due to choking?

What action should you take if a passenger is unconscious due to choking?

• A. Begin CPR with rescue breaths
• B. Immediately perform abdominal thrusts
• C. Call EMS only
• D. Wait for medical crew

Answer: (A)

When someone who is choking becomes unconscious, the priority is to restore ventilation and circulation right away. Abdominal thrusts rely on the person’s ability to cooperate and are not effective once they’re unconscious, and delaying rescue breaths can worsen outcomes. Begin CPR with rescue breaths immediately, using the 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths pattern to pump blood and re-oxygenate the lungs. If the breaths don’t go in, reposition the head and try again, continuing cycles of CPR until help arrives or the person resumes breathing and has a pulse. If an automated external defibrillator is available, turn it on and follow its prompts as soon as possible.

When someone who is choking becomes unconscious, the priority is to restore ventilation and circulation right away. Abdominal thrusts rely on the person’s ability to cooperate and are not effective once they’re unconscious, and delaying rescue breaths can worsen outcomes. Begin CPR with rescue breaths immediately, using the 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths pattern to pump blood and re-oxygenate the lungs. If the breaths don’t go in, reposition the head and try again, continuing cycles of CPR until help arrives or the person resumes breathing and has a pulse. If an automated external defibrillator is available, turn it on and follow its prompts as soon as possible.