Abdominal thrusts: how should they be performed?

Abdominal thrusts: how should they be performed?

• A. Slow, gentle upward thrusts
• B. Quick, forceful upward thrusts
• C. Quick, downward thrusts
• D. Back blows only

Answer: (B)

Abdominal thrusts are about generating a quick, forceful surge of air to expel the blockage. The technique uses a sharp upward push into the abdomen, aimed just above the navel, so that the pressure drives the object out of the airway. To do this, stand behind the person (or in front if needed), wrap your arms around their waist, place a fist against the abdomen above the navel with the other hand over it, and deliver rapid, upward thrusts toward the diaphragm. Repeat until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive. If the person is pregnant or very obese, chest thrusts may be used instead. If the person loses responsiveness, start CPR and call for help.

Abdominal thrusts are about generating a quick, forceful surge of air to expel the blockage. The technique uses a sharp upward push into the abdomen, aimed just above the navel, so that the pressure drives the object out of the airway. To do this, stand behind the person (or in front if needed), wrap your arms around their waist, place a fist against the abdomen above the navel with the other hand over it, and deliver rapid, upward thrusts toward the diaphragm. Repeat until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive. If the person is pregnant or very obese, chest thrusts may be used instead. If the person loses responsiveness, start CPR and call for help.