When dealing with a choking patient, which maneuver should be applied?

The Heimlich maneuver, now commonly referred to as abdominal thrusts, is specifically designed to assist a choking patient by creating an artificial cough. When a person is choking, their airway is blocked, often by food or another object, preventing them from breathing normally. The Heimlich maneuver works by applying pressure to the abdomen, which forces air from the lungs and can expel the object blocking the airway.

This technique is particularly effective in cases of conscious adults and children who are not able to cough, speak, or breathe because the sudden expulsion of air can help dislodge the obstruction. In contrast, other options like chest compressions, back blows, or AED use do not address the immediate need to clear a blocked airway effectively. While back blows can provide some assistance in specific cases, they are not as direct or reliable as the Heimlich maneuver in a choking scenario. Similarly, chest compressions are aimed at cardiac arrest situations, and AED use is intended for treating cardiac arrhythmias, making them inappropriate for resolving choking incidents. Thus, applying the Heimlich maneuver is the most appropriate action when dealing with a choking patient.