For conscious choking in an adult or child, what is the recommended sequence?

• A. 30 chest compressions only.
• B. 2 rescue breaths only.
• C. Back blows and abdominal thrusts.
• D. 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts.

Answer: (D)

Conscious choking in an adult or child is treated by a cycle of air-clearing maneuvers: you deliver back blows to dislodge the object, then abdominal thrusts to increase pressure and push the obstruction out. Start with five back blows delivered between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. If the object isn’t expelled, switch to five abdominal thrusts just above the navel, using your fists and a supportive grip. Alternate these five back blows and five abdominal thrusts, pausing to check the person’s mouth for the object and removing it only if you can do so safely. Continue cycles until the object is expelled, the person can breathe or cough, or help arrives; if the person becomes unresponsive, call emergency services and begin CPR as trained. This sequence—five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts, repeated—is the recommended approach for a conscious choking adult or child.