What should you do immediately when a resident is choking and unable to breathe?

What should you do immediately when a resident is choking and unable to breathe?

• A. Call for help
• B. Gently pat on back
• C. Give water to swallow
• D. Leave the room

Answer: (A)

When someone is choking and cannot breathe, time is critical. The immediate action is to call for help so emergency responders and trained staff can arrive quickly, while you begin appropriate choking first aid if you’re trained to do so. Getting backup and equipment on the way increases the chances of clearing the airway fast. Back blows or abdominal thrusts, if you’re trained, are part of the rescue steps, but simply patting the person on the back isn’t reliable for a severe airway blockage, giving water won’t clear the obstruction and can cause further risk, and leaving the room wastes valuable seconds. The priority is to summon help right away so life-saving assistance is available as you act.

When someone is choking and cannot breathe, time is critical. The immediate action is to call for help so emergency responders and trained staff can arrive quickly, while you begin appropriate choking first aid if you’re trained to do so. Getting backup and equipment on the way increases the chances of clearing the airway fast.

Back blows or abdominal thrusts, if you’re trained, are part of the rescue steps, but simply patting the person on the back isn’t reliable for a severe airway blockage, giving water won’t clear the obstruction and can cause further risk, and leaving the room wastes valuable seconds. The priority is to summon help right away so life-saving assistance is available as you act.