When should you perform CPR on a choking person?

Performing CPR on a choking person is necessary when that person becomes unresponsive. At this point, they are no longer able to breathe effectively due to the obstruction, which can lead to cardiac arrest if not promptly addressed. When a choking individual loses consciousness, it indicates that the airway is blocked significantly enough to prevent normal breathing and circulation. Thus, initiating CPR becomes critical to provide artificial ventilation and chest compressions in an effort to restore circulation and potentially dislodge the object causing the choking.

In contrast, if a person is coughing vigorously, they are still able to manage their airway to some extent, and it’s typically best to encourage them to continue coughing rather than intervening with CPR. If they are able to speak, this also suggests that their airway is not fully obstructed, and immediate action may not be necessary. Signs of discomfort can also imply that the individual is experiencing a blockage but may still have a degree of airway clearance. Therefore, the key condition requiring CPR is the individual’s unresponsiveness.