If chest thrusts are not effective, what is the next recommended step?

When chest thrusts are ineffective in a choking emergency, performing back blows followed by additional chest thrusts is the next recommended step. This approach combines two techniques that can help dislodge an object obstructing the airway.

Back blows involve delivering firm hits to the back between the shoulder blades, which can help create enough force to dislodge the object. If these blows do not succeed in clearing the obstruction, reverting to chest thrusts is appropriate to continue applying pressure to expel the object. This sequence allows for multiple attempts to relieve the obstruction while maintaining an effective course of action.

Engaging in rescue breaths before ensuring that the airway is clear is not appropriate since they can be ineffective and potentially lead to complications like aspiration. Waiting for emergency responders may delay critical intervention, and checking the pulse is unnecessary in this context since the primary concern is the airway blockage rather than circulation at this moment. Therefore, employing back blows followed by chest thrusts represents a proactive approach to manage the choking situation effectively.