What is the recommended procedure if a choking adult becomes unconscious on board?

• A. Perform abdominal thrusts until the airway is clear.
• B. Shake the person and shout for help, then wait for EMS.
• C. Remove any visible obstruction from the mouth.
• D. Begin CPR with chest compressions and ventilations and use the AED; do not perform abdominal thrusts on an unconscious person.

Answer: (D)

When a choking adult becomes unconscious on board, the priority is to restore circulation and oxygenation, not to continue attempting to relieve the obstruction. The best course is to start high-quality CPR immediately, giving chest compressions and rescue breaths, and to use the AED as soon as it is available. Abdominal thrusts are not used on an unconscious person because those moves require a conscious airway and can interfere with chest compressions or cause injury. If you can see and can remove a visible obstruction without interrupting compressions, you may do so briefly, but the focus should remain on delivering CPR and applying the AED until the person regains consciousness or professional help arrives.