What should you do if an adult becomes unresponsive while choking?

When an adult becomes unresponsive while choking, the immediate and appropriate action is to call for emergency help and begin CPR, starting with chest compressions. This approach is critical because the person is not breathing or able to cough out the obstruction, which indicates a severe airway blockage.

Initiating CPR provides circulation to vital organs, maintaining blood flow and oxygen until emergency medical services can arrive. It is especially important to perform chest compressions properly, as this can help expel the obstruction. While attempting to manually remove an obstruction may seem like a reasonable approach, it is not advisable once the individual is unresponsive, as the risk of causing further injury increases.

Calling 911 simultaneously ensures that professional responders are on their way while you render immediate assistance. Waiting for the person to regain consciousness or leaving the scene could result in delayed care for a critical situation where every second counts. Thus, starting CPR immediately not only addresses the choking incident but also safeguards the individual’s chance of survival.