Which technique is often used for managing severe airway obstruction?

The technique used for managing severe airway obstruction is abdominal thrusts, commonly referred to as the Heimlich maneuver. This method is specifically designed to create enough pressure in the abdomen to expel air forcefully from the lungs, allowing for the removal of a lodged object that is obstructing the airway. When performed correctly, abdominal thrusts can help to dislodge food, small objects, or other materials that are blocking the airway and causing a person to be unable to breathe.

Back blows are typically used for mild airway obstructions or in combination with other techniques. While they can provide some aid, they are not as effective on their own for severe obstructions. Chest compressions are primarily used in CPR situations for cardiac arrest rather than for airway obstruction. The jaw thrust maneuver is primarily used to open the airway in unresponsive patients and is not a specific intervention for clearing severe airway blockages. Thus, abdominal thrusts are the preferred technique for resolving severe airway obstructions effectively.