What is a chest thrust?

A chest thrust is a first aid maneuver used to help clear an obstructed airway, particularly in cases of severe choking. It involves delivering a series of quick, forceful thrusts to the chest, typically performed on a person who is unable to cough, speak, or breathe. This technique is often recommended for infants or individuals who are pregnant, where traditional abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) may not be appropriate. The goal is to expel the object blocking the airway and restore normal breathing.