What action should you take for someone with a severe blockage?

In the case of a severe airway blockage, the most effective action to take is to proceed with giving thrusts, which is known as the Heimlich maneuver or abdominal thrusts. This technique is designed to create enough pressure in the abdominal cavity to expel the foreign object obstructing the airway. When an individual cannot speak, cough, or breathe effectively, it indicates that the blockage is severe, and immediate action is required to prevent aspiration, loss of consciousness, or worse.

Administering thrusts helps to dislodge the obstruction, potentially allowing the individual to breathe normally again. The correct application of this technique can save a life in such critical situations, making it essential knowledge during First Aid training. Prompt intervention is key in emergencies, and utilizing thrusts is considered a primary response for severe blockages when a person is unable to clear the airway on their own.