When performing CPR on an unresponsive person who is known to be choking, you should modify the standard CPR procedure to focus on clearing the airway obstruction. The key modifications include:
- After confirming unresponsiveness and calling for emergency help, place the person on a firm, flat surface.
- Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.
- Look inside the mouth and remove any visible foreign object if it can be easily reached.
- Begin chest compressions at the standard rate (100-120 compressions per minute) and depth (about 2 inches or 5 cm).
- After 30 compressions, attempt to give 2 rescue breaths. If the chest does not rise, this indicates the airway is still blocked.
- If rescue breaths fail to make the chest rise, repeat chest compressions and check the mouth again for the obstruction.
- Continue this cycle of compressions and rescue breaths, removing any visible obstruction between cycles until the airway is cleared, the person regains responsiveness, or emergency medical personnel take over.
This approach differs from standard CPR by emphasizing frequent checks for and removal of the airway obstruction between compressions and breaths. The compressions themselves may help dislodge the object. The sequence remains 30 compressions to 2 breaths, but with added focus on clearing the airway obstruction
. In summary, the modification is to actively look for and remove the choking object during CPR, and if rescue breaths do not cause chest rise, continue compressions and airway clearing efforts before attempting breaths again
