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Choking adult unconscious — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyResuscitationChoking adult unconsciousDipIMC

A 70-year-old choking on food becomes unconscious in a restaurant. Attempts at back blows were unsuccessful and he is now not breathing normally. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: DStart CPR and look in the mouth before ventilation attempts

Start CPR and look in the mouth before ventilation attempts is the best answer because when choking leads to unconsciousness, CPR is started and visible obstruction removed if seen. Transport without treating the identified time-critical problem is less appropriate because movement alone may not reverse the immediate physiology; Give a large crystalloid bolus before controlling the injury is less appropriate because fluid cannot replace early control of bleeding or ventilation problems. Perform a full secondary survey before treating the abnormality and Delay intervention until arrival at hospital are also suboptimal because they move attention away from the key pre-hospital priority.. The key DipIMC principle is to treat immediate reversible threats, communicate clearly and move the patient toward the right definitive care.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines; JRCALC Guidelines