What action should be taken if the airway is obstructed in a conscious adult?

When a conscious adult is experiencing an obstructed airway, performing the Heimlich maneuver is the appropriate course of action. This technique, also known as abdominal thrusts, is designed to create an artificial cough effect by applying sudden pressure in the abdominal area, which can help dislodge the object causing the obstruction.

The Heimlich maneuver involves standing behind the individual, wrapping your arms around their waist, and delivering thrusts inward and upward. This action is specifically effective for treating choking in a conscious adult and is considered a vital skill for lifeguards as well as anyone who might encounter such situations.

Other suggested actions, such as encouraging the person to cough or calling emergency services, may not address the immediate need to clear the airway quickly. While encouraging someone to cough might be helpful if they are able to do so effectively, it is not a suitable strategy if the individual can’t breathe or is unable to make sounds. Additionally, calling emergency services should typically be done if the situation escalates or if the Heimlich maneuver fails, but it is not the immediate action to take while the obstruction is present. Thus, the Heimlich maneuver is the most direct and effective response in this scenario.