In a suffocation scenario, which step should you instruct the caller to take first?

• A. Begin chest compressions immediately
• B. Check the patient’s pulse
• C. Place the patient in a recovery position
• D. Remove anything covering the face or in the mouth

Answer: (D)

In a suffocation situation, the first goal is to restore an open airway, because air cannot reach the lungs while a blockage remains. So you should instruct the caller to remove anything covering the face or in the mouth right away. Clearing the obstruction gives breaths or CPR a chance to work and prevents pushing the object deeper or trapping air. After the airway is open, you can assess breathing and guide the next steps—encourage coughing if the person is conscious and coughing, or proceed with rescue breaths/CPR if they’re not breathing or are unresponsive. The other actions don’t address the immediate blockage and aren’t the best first move.