In a suspected airway obstruction case, what is the preferred maneuver for adults and children?

In cases of suspected airway obstruction in adults and children, the Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is the preferred technique for dislodging an object blocking the airway. This maneuver is specifically designed to create increased intrathoracic pressure, which helps to expel the obstruction more effectively than other methods might.

When performed correctly, the Heimlich maneuver involves the rescuer placing their arms around the victim's waist, making a fist just above the navel, and thrusting inward and upward. This motion compresses the diaphragm and produces a forceful exhalation that can dislodge food or another obstruction from the airway. The efficacy and direct approach of this maneuver make it the go-to choice when dealing with choking incidents in conscious individuals.

Other methods, while important in specific scenarios, do not provide the same level of effectiveness for airway obstruction. For example, back blows might be useful in infants but are not as effective for older children and adults. The jaw-thrust maneuver is primarily utilized in cases of suspected spinal injury and is not designed for dislodging an obstruction. Chest thrusts can sometimes be suggested for certain populations, like pregnant women or individuals who are obese, but they are less commonly the first line of defense compared