What is the primary purpose of the Heimlich maneuver?

The primary purpose of the Heimlich maneuver is to relieve choking. This technique is specifically designed to dislodge an object that is causing an obstruction in the airway, allowing the person to breathe again. When an individual is choking, their airway is blocked by a foreign object, which can lead to asphyxiation and potentially life-threatening situations. The Heimlich maneuver uses a series of abdominal thrusts to create pressure that can force the object out of the airway, restoring normal breathing.

Relieving choking is crucial because it directly addresses the immediate emergency of airway obstruction, which, if not resolved quickly, can result in severe complications or death. Other choices, such as inducing coughing or stimulating breathing, might play roles in respiratory health but do not capture the specific intent and primary goal of the Heimlich maneuver itself.