If an adult is experiencing foreign-body airway obstruction and becomes unresponsive, what should be the next action?

When an adult becomes unresponsive due to foreign-body airway obstruction, the priority is to ensure that the airway is managed effectively and that circulation is restored. In such situations, beginning CPR is a critical action. CPR serves a dual purpose: it attempts to restore blood circulation and can also help relieve the obstruction due to the chest compressions providing pressure that may expel the foreign object.

In the case of an unresponsive individual, administering back blows, abdominal thrusts, or calling for emergency backup are not appropriate immediate actions. Back blows and abdominal thrusts are effective when the person is still responsive and can cough or speak since those methods are intended to dislodge the obstruction. However, once the individual loses responsiveness, those methods should not be performed, as they could lead to further complications and are less effective due to the lack of airway reflexes.

Calling for emergency backup is certainly important, but it does not address the immediate need for circulation and airway management that comes with an unresponsive patient. Therefore, the best immediate action in this scenario is to start CPR while ensuring that emergency services are on the way.