If a choking child becomes unresponsive during abdominal thrusts, what should you do next?

• A. Continue abdominal thrusts
• B. Call 911
• C. Check for object
• D. Start CPR

Answer: (D)

When a choking child becomes unresponsive, start CPR immediately. The situation has shifted from a blocked airway to potential cardiac arrest, so restoring circulation becomes the priority. Abdominal thrusts are for a conscious choking victim; once unresponsive, you cannot safely perform them, and beginning chest compressions takes precedence to move air into the lungs and circulate oxygen.

Begin with cycles of 30 chest compressions at a rate about 100–120 per minute, allowing full chest recoil, then give 2 rescue breaths. If a clearly visible object is in the mouth and you can reach it easily, you may remove it with a finger sweep; do not perform blind finger sweeps. Continue CPR until emergency help arrives or the child starts breathing again. If an AED becomes available, turn it on and follow the prompts.