North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

When treating a conscious choking child, which technique is recommended?

1. Abdominal thrusts

2. Back blows

3. Chest compressions

4. Jaw thrust maneuver

The correct answer is: Abdominal thrusts

In treating a conscious choking child, the recommended technique is abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver. This technique is effective for removing an obstruction from the airway. The maneuver involves delivering quick inward and upward thrusts just above the navel, which can create enough pressure to force air from the lungs and expel the object causing the choking. When performed correctly, abdominal thrusts can be highly effective in dislodging the object and allowing the child to breathe again. It is important for the responder to position themselves correctly behind the child, providing stability while applying the thrusts. Other techniques such as back blows can be used in combination with abdominal thrusts, especially in infants or in alternate situations, but abdominal thrusts remain a primary method for older children who are conscious and choking. Chest compressions and the jaw-thrust maneuver are not recommended for this scenario as they are primarily indicated for different emergencies, such as cardiac arrest or airway management in unconscious individuals.