Answer: The difference between a partially blocked airway and a blocked airway is; the person can actually breathe, with a little trouble, when the airway is only partially blocked. When the airway is completely blocked the person will not be able to breathe at all.
To care for a person with a blocked airway, you will want to tilt the head and lift the chin. If the object that is blocking the airway can be seen, take a finger and attempt to remove the object. Also, the Heimlich procedure can be performed. Call 911, as soon you find someone with a blocked airway.
To care for someone with a partially blocked airway, you need to tell the person if they are old enough, to cough as hard as they can to help dislodge the object. You can also tell the person to try and spit the object out if at all possible. Never put your fingers in the mouth when the object is partially blocked as they may bite you. If nothing works, you can start to perform back thrusts. Call 911, so that paramedics can arrive for additional treatment.