Which action is part of the conscious choking response for a child?

• A. 5 back blows
• B. 5 chest compressions
• C. 5 abdominal thrusts
• D. 12 breaths

Answer: (A)

When someone is conscious and choking, the goal is to create enough pressure to pop the obstruction out of the airway. The primary action is abdominal thrusts: stand behind the child, wrap your arms around their waist, place a fist just above the navel, grab the fist with your other hand, and give quick upward thrusts. This uses the body's core muscles to push air from the lungs through the airway and usually dislodges the blockage. Back blows are taught for infants, not typically for older children, as the main technique for a conscious choking child is abdominal thrusts. Chest compressions and breaths aren’t used to relieve an airway obstruction in a conscious choking scenario; they’re part of CPR if the person becomes unresponsive or stops breathing. If the obstruction persists after a few thrusts, continue as trained and seek emergency help.