How long should you continue abdominal thrusts?

• A. Stop after five thrusts.
• B. Stop when the person begins to cough.
• C. Repeat thrusts until the object is expelled or the victim becomes unresponsive.
• D. Repeat only twice.

Answer: (C)

When someone is conscious and choking, abdominal thrusts are used to generate enough force to expel the object. You continue giving thrusts until the blockage is cleared (the object is expelled) or the person becomes unresponsive. If they start coughing forcefully or can speak, that means the airway is opening, so you should stop thrusts and allow them to continue coughing while you monitor and call for help if needed. If they become unresponsive, stop the thrusts and start CPR, calling for help, and check the mouth for the object if visible and easily removable.