Written Lifeguarding Practice Test

Which of the following would you identify as the universal sign that a conscious person is choking?

1. Ability to speak or cry

2. Clutching the throat

3. Coughing

4. Yelling out "I'm choking"

The correct answer is: Ability to speak or cry

The correct answer is A - Ability to speak or cry. In the scenario of a conscious person who is choking, if they are able to speak or cry, it indicates that their airway is not completely blocked and they are still able to exchange some air. This is a crucial distinction as in cases of complete airway obstruction, the person would be unable to speak, cry, cough, or make any noise at all. Therefore, identifying the ability to speak or cry as the universal sign that a conscious person is choking enables the lifeguard to make a quick and accurate assessment of the situation and respond accordingly. In contrast, clutching the throat might be a sign of choking but is not universally present in every case. Coughing can be a natural response to try to clear the airway and may not always indicate choking. Yelling out "I'm choking" is verbal communication that may or may not be present depending on the individual, but the absence of this statement does not necessarily mean the person is not choking.