Which maneuver is an emergency procedure to help someone who is choking because food is lodged in the trachea?

• A. CPR
• B. Heimlich maneuver
• C. Bandaging
• D. Surgery

Answer: (B)

When someone is choking on food that’s blocking the airway, the maneuver that’s used is the Heimlich maneuver. It works by delivering quick, upward abdominal thrusts that raise pressure inside the chest and force air out of the lungs, helping to pop the object free from the trachea. Perform it on a conscious person who cannot breathe, speak, or cough effectively: stand behind them, wrap your arms around the waist, place a fist just above the navel, grasp it with the other hand, and give firm upward thrusts. If the person can cough or breathe or speak, let them continue to try to clear the airway without thrusts. If they become unconscious, start CPR and check the mouth for the obstructing object, removing it if it’s visible and easily reachable. Other options aren’t appropriate here—the purpose of CPR is for cardiac arrest or no breathing/pulse, while bandaging is for wounds and surgery isn’t the immediate response to a choking obstruction.