In a hanging with not obvious death, what action should you instruct the caller to take?

• A. Wait for responders to arrive and assess breathing
• B. Move the patient to a safe location
• C. Perform chest compressions
• D. Cut him down immediately and loosen the noose, then check breathing

Answer: (D)

Relieve the airway obstruction as quickly as possible. In a hanging where death isn’t obvious, the first action is to cut the person down immediately and loosen the noose to reopen the airway, then check for breathing. If there is no breathing, begin CPR right away and use an AED when available. If breathing resumes after the release, monitor the person and keep them safe until responders arrive. Delaying removal, moving the person, or attempting chest compressions while the ligature is still in place can worsen injury or be ineffective; removing the ligature and assessing breathing first is the critical, time-sensitive step.