Which type of thrust is recommended for a choking victim who is obese or pregnant?

• A. Chest thrusts
• B. Abdominal thrusts
• C. Back blows
• D. Heimlich maneuver with arms around a large person

Answer: (A)

When someone is choking, the goal is to create enough air movement to expel the object without injuring the person. For a pregnant or obese individual, pressing on the abdomen with abdominal thrusts can risk injury to the fetus or internal organs and is often harder to perform effectively due to body shape. Chest thrusts focus the force on the chest, avoiding abdominal pressure, and can dislodge the blockage safely in these cases. To perform chest thrusts, stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their chest for support, place a fist in the center of the chest over the sternum, and grasp with your other hand to deliver quick inward and backward thrusts toward the chest. Keep repeating until the obstruction is expelled or the person can breathe, speak, or cough. Back blows are not the preferred primary method for conscious adults in this situation, and the maneuver described here is the safer alternative for someone who is pregnant or obese.