What should be done for an airway obstruction in a conscious casualty?

For an airway obstruction in a conscious casualty, performing the Heimlich maneuver is the correct response. This technique is specifically designed to clear a blockage in a person's airway due to choking. The Heimlich maneuver involves delivering a series of abdominal thrusts, which can provide the necessary pressure to expel the object that is causing the obstruction, allowing the casualty to breathe again.

In situations where a person is conscious but unable to speak, cough, or breathe effectively, timely intervention is critical. The Heimlich maneuver is the most effective first aid technique in these cases, as it directly targets the blocked airway.

Other options, such as performing a neck thrust or giving back blows, may not be as effective for treating adult or larger patients with conscious airway obstructions. Checking for breathing first is important in assessing the situation, but immediate action should be taken when choking is evident, prioritizing the Heimlich maneuver as the course of action.