During airway obstruction, which statement describes the key mechanism of the Heimlich maneuver?

During airway obstruction, which statement describes the key mechanism of the Heimlich maneuver?

• A. restart circulation of oxygenated blood to the victim's heart, brain, and other vital organs.
• B. force air from the lungs into blocked pulmonary arteries in order to restore breathing.
• C. propel an obstruction out of the victim's airway using pressurized air from the diaphragm.
• D. open the victim's airway so that the rescuer can finger-sweep an obstruction out of the victim's mouth.

Answer: (C)

When someone is choking, the Heimlich maneuver works by creating a sudden, forceful burst of air from the lungs to propel the obstruction out of the airway. This is achieved by applying quick upward pressure to the abdomen (and, by extension, lifting the diaphragm), which increases intrathoracic pressure. That pressurized air rushes up through the trachea and can dislodge and expel the object blocking the airway. This mechanism differs from CPR, which aims to restore circulation and oxygen delivery, not to expel an airway obstruction. It also isn’t about forcing air into the lungs or into the pulmonary arteries, and it isn’t simply about blindly finger-sweeping the mouth—the obstruction is removed primarily through the pressure-driven air blast generated by the abdominal thrusts.

When someone is choking, the Heimlich maneuver works by creating a sudden, forceful burst of air from the lungs to propel the obstruction out of the airway. This is achieved by applying quick upward pressure to the abdomen (and, by extension, lifting the diaphragm), which increases intrathoracic pressure. That pressurized air rushes up through the trachea and can dislodge and expel the object blocking the airway.

This mechanism differs from CPR, which aims to restore circulation and oxygen delivery, not to expel an airway obstruction. It also isn’t about forcing air into the lungs or into the pulmonary arteries, and it isn’t simply about blindly finger-sweeping the mouth—the obstruction is removed primarily through the pressure-driven air blast generated by the abdominal thrusts.