Written Lifeguarding Practice Test

How should you clear a foreign body airway obstruction in an unconscious adult?

1. Give 30 chest compressions

2. Perform a series of back blows and abdominal thrusts

3. Perform a head tilt-chin lift maneuver followed by rescue breaths

4. Turn the victim onto their side and perform abdominal thrusts

The correct answer is: Give 30 chest compressions

To clear a foreign body airway obstruction in an unconscious adult, the first step is to ensure the victim is lying on their back. Option A is the correct choice because giving chest compressions can dislodge the foreign object that is blocking the airway. Option B, performing back blows and abdominal thrusts, is typically used when the victim is conscious and choking. Option C, performing a head tilt-chin lift maneuver, may not be effective in clearing an airway obstruction as it relies on the victim being able to maintain their own airway. Option D, turning the victim onto their side and performing abdominal thrusts, may also not be effective as it could push the foreign object further down the airway. Therefore, option A is the best choice for clearing a foreign body airway obstruction in an unconscious adult.