If a choking adult is unable to speak or cough forcefully, and your partner is calling 9-1-1, what should you do?

When dealing with a choking adult who is unable to speak or cough forcefully, the appropriate response is to give cycles of 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts. This method is effective because it combines two techniques that can dislodge the object causing the choking.

Back blows are delivered between the shoulder blades and can help to expel air rapidly from the lungs, which may help dislodge the obstruction. If this approach does not resolve the situation, abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, involve quick inward and upward thrusts that create pressure in the abdomen, forcing air upwards in an attempt to expel the obstruction from the airway.

Immediate CPR is not indicated as the first step since the adult is still conscious and responsive, even though they are choking. Encouraging them to cough would not be effective, as they are unable to do so forcefully, which is a sign that the airway is significantly obstructed. Breathing for them is inappropriate in this scenario because the priority is to clear the airway obstruction rather than providing artificial respiration when the person is still conscious.

Overall, the selected response aligns with standard first aid protocols for a conscious adult experiencing choking, ensuring a swift attempt to remove the obstruction while waiting