What are abdominal thrusts used for?

Abdominal thrusts are specifically designed to relieve choking by creating a sudden increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which expels air from the lungs and can help dislodge an object blocking the airway. This maneuver is especially critical in cases where a person is unable to breathe, cough, or speak due to an obstruction. When performed correctly, abdominal thrusts generate enough force to propel the obstruction out of the airway, restoring normal breathing and preventing potential asphyxiation.

In contrast to the other options, which pertain to different emergency procedures, abdominal thrusts directly address the scenario of choking. For instance, CPR involves a series of chest compressions and rescue breaths, rather than direct intervention for airway obstruction. Checking for responsiveness is a crucial step when determining a person's level of consciousness but does not address an obstructed airway. Similarly, stabilizing an unconscious patient's airway may involve techniques like the head-tilt-chin-lift method or positioning, but it doesn't involve the forceful thrusts used to expel an object from the airway. Therefore, abdominal thrusts are uniquely suited for emergencies involving choking.