What action should a lifeguard take if an object is not removed during a Heimlich maneuver?

When performing the Heimlich maneuver, it is crucial to continue administering abdominal thrusts as long as the obstructed person remains conscious and responsive. The goal of these thrusts is to create enough pressure in the chest cavity to expel the obstructing object from the airway. If the obstruction is not removed after an initial set of thrusts, maintaining this sequence is vital until the object is expelled or the individual loses consciousness. This ensures that the lifeguard provides maximum assistance in clearing the airway and preventing potential respiratory failure.

Stopping the Heimlich maneuver prematurely can put the victim at greater risk of suffocation, as the object may still be lodged in a way that prevents breathing. Additionally, calling for assistance or checking for breathing should only occur after the thrusts have been effectively ceased, as they may interrupt the critical process of clearing the airway.