Board of Legal SpecializationPractice Exam

If a person is choking and looks panicked, what should be the first step after obtaining consent to help?

1. Perform first aid and wait for emergency services

2. Perform a series of 5 abdominal thrusts only

3. Perform a series of 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts

4. Call 911 before taking any action

The correct answer is: Perform a series of 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts

The correct response in this situation is to perform a series of back blows followed by abdominal thrusts. This method is consistent with the recommended guidelines for responding to a choking incident in adults and children who are capable of coughing, speaking, or breathing in an ineffective manner. Using back blows is an initial action that can help dislodge the obstruction by utilizing the natural force of gravity and the body's weight. Following that, abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich maneuver) can create strong bursts of air pressure in the abdomen, which can further help in expelling the object causing the choking. It is important to note that while waiting for emergency services is critical in severe cases, immediate action should be taken to help relieve the choking before the situation escalates. Simply doing abdominal thrusts alone may not adequately address the obstruction, and calling emergency services before any action can cause unnecessary delays in potentially life-saving assistance. Therefore, combining both techniques is a comprehensive approach to managing choking effectively.