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If, after giving back blows, the person is unable to cough or speak, what next?

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Final answer:

If back blows don't clear the airway in a choking victim unable to cough or speak, proceed with the Heimlich maneuver, and if that fails, call for emergency medical help immediately. Remember to perform CPR if the victim becomes unconscious.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you have already given a person back blows and the choking individual is still unable to cough or speak, the next step would be to perform the Heimlich maneuver. This is a first aid procedure used to treat upper airway obstructions (or choking) by foreign objects. The process involves standing behind the person and using your hands to exert pressure on the bottom of the diaphragm. This pressure can help force the lodged object out of the person's airway, allowing them to breathe again. It is crucial to act quickly if someone is choking, as prompt action can be life-saving. If the Heimlich maneuver also fails to remove the blockage, it is essential to call for emergency medical care immediately.

Remember that if a choking person becomes unconscious, you should lay them down and start CPR, checking periodically if the obstructing object can be removed from their mouth. It's also worth noting that the symptoms of choking are not breathing or noisy breathing, inability to talk or make noise, and skin, lips, and nails turning blue or dusky. Also, a choking person may clutch their throat or wave their arms.

If the situation involves an allergic reaction where the tissues in the throat swell and cause breathing difficulties, or if you notice signs of a stroke, as identified by the mnemonic FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time), it's imperative to seek medical help immediately.

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