How can you determine if a choking maneuver has been effective?

Determining the effectiveness of a choking maneuver centers on whether the airway obstruction has been successfully removed. When the obstruction is cleared and the person can breathe, it indicates that the maneuver has been successful in restoring normal airflow.

In contrast, the ability to talk immediately may vary; some individuals may regain their ability to speak without successfully clearing the obstruction, depending on the situation. Coughing or gagging may also occur as a natural response, even when the obstruction is not entirely removed, and it does not necessarily indicate that the maneuver has failed. Loss of consciousness is a serious outcome of choking, showing that the situation has worsened rather than resolved. Thus, the best indicator of the maneuver's success is the restoration of normal breathing, confirming that the airway is clear.