In the event of airway obstruction one should?

In the event of airway obstruction, one should:

1. Recognize the signs and symptoms of airway obstruction:

- In a conscious person, signs of airway obstruction may include difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, inability to speak or make noise, and clutching at the throat.

- In an unconscious person, airway obstruction may be indicated by no breathing or ineffective breathing (agonal respirations).

2. Attempt to relieve the obstruction:

- If the person is conscious, encourage them to cough to try to dislodge the obstruction.

- If coughing is ineffective or the person is unconscious, perform back blows and chest thrusts.

Back blows: Deliver 5 back blows with the heel of your hand between the person's shoulder blades.

Chest thrusts: If the back blows are ineffective, give 5 chest thrusts. Stand behind the person and place the heel of one hand on the person's sternum, between the nipples. Give quick, forceful thrusts inward and upward, compressing the chest by about 2 inches (5 centimeters) each time.

3. If the airway remains obstructed, call for emergency medical help.

4. Continue attempts to clear the airway until help arrives.