A young unaccompanied minor starts choking on candy. What should you do?

When a young unaccompanied minor is choking, the appropriate response is to perform abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver. This technique is designed to create an upward pressure in the abdomen, which can dislodge an object blocking the airway.

In the context of choking, time is critical, and abdominal thrusts are specifically effective for removing foreign objects lodged in the throat for children who are conscious and responsive. This method is a standard response to airway obstruction in emergencies and is used when the individual is unable to breathe, cough, or speak, indicating a serious situation that requires immediate intervention.

Other methods like back blows may be considered in some scenarios, but for a child who can be treated with abdominal thrusts, this method is usually more effective. Administering CPR is reserved for situations where a person has collapsed and is unresponsive, indicating a different emergency. Similarly, using an automated defibrillator is appropriate for cardiac arrest situations rather than choking incidents.