High School

A victim who is choking becomes unresponsive. What is your first course of action?

Answer :

Final answer:

When a choking victim becomes unresponsive, immediately call for emergency help and begin CPR, starting with chest compressions.

Explanation:

If a victim who is choking becomes unresponsive, your first course of action should be to call for emergency help immediately. After ensuring emergency help is on the way, you should begin performing CPR, starting with chest compressions. It is crucial to remember that choking can lead to a lack of oxygen, which can cause unconsciousness and serious brain damage if not addressed quickly. Quick action can save a life.

Recognizing signs of choking is critical. A choking individual may not be able to speak, breathe or might clutch at their throat. If an individual is found unconscious and you know or suspect they are choking, prepare to perform compression-only CPR if you are not trained in delivering rescue breaths, unless you are trained in full CPR and can perform chest compressions and rescue breaths. This advice is based on current health guidelines which prioritize chest compressions to maintain blood flow.

Ensuring that you are capable of recognizing these signs and knowing how to respond appropriately is an important aspect of first aid knowledge. For detailed instruction on performing CPR, it is recommended to complete a certified first aid course, which covers both choking first aid and CPR techniques.