What is the primary purpose of abdominal thrusts in choking emergencies?

The primary purpose of abdominal thrusts, often referred to as the Heimlich maneuver, is to remove the obstruction from the airway. When someone is choking, their airway is blocked by an object, usually food or a foreign item. Abdominal thrusts create an increase in intra-abdominal pressure that forces air from the lungs upward, which can dislodge the object and allow the person to breathe again. This method is specifically designed to generate a quick, powerful burst of air that can expel the blockage, making it a critical intervention during choking emergencies.

Other options, while they address different aspects of health or well-being, do not focus specifically on the immediate lifesaving goal of resolving an airway obstruction. For instance, providing comfort is important but is secondary to the primary goal of clearing the airway. Similarly, stimulating breathing and slowing down the heart rate do not directly address the urgent need to clear an obstructed airway to restore normal breathing.