Which action should be taken when a choking adult becomes unresponsive after abdominal thrusts?

• A. Call EMS
• B. Check airway
• C. Perform abdominal thrusts
• D. Start CPR

Answer: (D)

When choking leads to unresponsiveness, the priority becomes restoring circulation and oxygen delivery. Abdominal thrusts are for a conscious, choking person; once the person is unconscious, you can’t effectively clear the obstruction while they’re unresponsive. Start CPR immediately to circulate blood and provide breaths if you’re trained. Begin chest compressions at a steady rate, and call EMS and obtain an AED as soon as possible. If you’re trained to give breaths, after about 30 compressions provide 2 rescue breaths and continue cycles until help arrives or signs of life return. The key is that unresponsiveness switches the focus from relief of the obstruction to performing CPR.