FISDAP Paramedic Airway and Breathing V2 Practice Exam 2025 - Free Paramedic Airway and Breathing Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Heimlich maneuver, or abdominal thrusts, is recognized as the most effective method for removing a foreign body from an adult's airway in cases of severe airway obstruction. This technique works by applying pressure to the abdomen just above the navel, creating an upward thrust that generates enough force to expel the obstruction from the airway.

When an adult is choking, their airway may become blocked, leading to asphyxiation. The Heimlich maneuver specifically addresses this by forcing air from the lungs, which can dislodge the object blocking the airway. It is a hands-on procedure that can be performed quickly and effectively in an emergency situation.

While back blows may provide some relief, they are often less effective on their own, as they may not generate sufficient force to clear objects lodged in the airway. Finger sweeps should only be performed when the object is visible in the mouth and can introduce the risk of further obstruction if not done properly. Immediate intubation is a procedure meant for securing the airway rather than removing foreign bodies and is not typically the immediate action taken during choking incidents. Hence, the Heimlich maneuver stands out as the most effective immediate response when an adult is experiencing an obstructed airway due to a foreign body.