Which emergency maneuver is used to dislodge an object from a choking person's airway?

• A. CPR
• B. Heimlich Maneuver
• C. Rescue breaths
• D. Back Blows

Answer: (B)

When someone is choking, the goal is to force air upward from the lungs to pop the object free. The Heimlich Maneuver does this by delivering abdominal thrusts, which rapidly increase pressure in the chest to expel the blockage. It’s the go-to technique for a conscious choking adult or child over one year old who cannot breathe, speak, or cough effectively. If the person becomes unresponsive, start CPR and call for help. CPR is about breathing and circulation, not specifically removing an obstruction, and rescue breaths provide air but don’t clear a blockage by themselves. Back blows are another technique used in some choking situations (notably with infants or as an alternative in certain guidelines), but for a conscious choking of an adult or older child, the Heimlich Maneuver is the primary method to dislodge the object.