How can you prevent further injury to a choking victim?

Performing abdominal thrusts carefully is the correct approach to preventing further injury to a choking victim. When a person is choking, their airway is obstructed, which can lead to loss of consciousness or even death if the blockage is not removed quickly. Abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, are designed to create an artificial cough that can dislodge the object blocking the airway.

Executing this maneuver carefully helps to ensure that the force applied is effective without causing additional injury to the victim's abdominal area. It is vital to position yourself correctly behind the victim, use the proper technique, and apply the right level of pressure to avoid harm.

The other options could potentially worsen the situation. Pumping the stomach is not a recommended action for a choking incident and can lead to further complications. Providing back blows alone may not be sufficient to clear the airway, and leaving the victim lying flat can hinder their ability to breathe and may lead to further distress. Therefore, the careful application of abdominal thrusts is the most effective and safe method in this emergency scenario.