You are attempting to dislodge a foreign body from a conscious patient who is choking. The patient then becomes unconscious. Which of the following should you do next?

• A. Be careful to lower the patient to a firm flat surface
• B. Continue chest compressions
• C. Call for help
• D. Check for a pulse

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that high-quality chest compressions require a firm, flat surface. If the patient has fallen onto a soft surface or remains on an unstable incline, the chest won’t compress deeply enough and the heart and brain won’t receive adequate blood flow. Placing them onto a firm surface sets up the body for effective CPR, allowing the recommended compression depth and full chest recoil.

Once on a firm surface, you would proceed with CPR immediately, calling for help and using an AED as available. Checking for a pulse isn’t the primary step during CPR; you maintain cycles of compressions (and rescue breaths if trained) and reassess as part of the overall resuscitation process.