What is the purpose of the Heimlich maneuver?

The Heimlich maneuver is specifically designed to relieve choking by removing an obstruction from a person's airway. When someone is choking, their airway is blocked, which can prevent them from breathing properly or producing sound. The Heimlich maneuver involves using a series of abdominal thrusts to generate pressure that can force the object out of the airway and allow air to flow again.

Understanding this procedure is crucial, as effective and timely intervention can save a life in a choking emergency. Other options such as administering first aid for cuts, performing CPR, or cooling a burn do not address the critical situation of airway obstruction, which is the primary focus of the Heimlich maneuver. Hence, it is vital to recognize the specific purpose of the Heimlich maneuver in responding to choking incidents.