What is the first step in responding to a choking incident?

The first step in responding to a choking incident is to assess the situation and determine the severity of the choking. When a person is choking, it's crucial to confirm that they cannot breathe or speak before proceeding with any emergency interventions. In this context, when someone is clearly unable to speak or breathe, the Heimlich maneuver may be appropriate.

Performing the Heimlich maneuver directly addresses the blockage in the airway, using abdominal thrusts to create pressure that can expel the object causing the choking. This option is aimed at resolving the emergency by immediately trying to clear the airway obstruction, which is essential when someone's ability to breathe is compromised.

In cases where the choking is not severe, encouraging the person to cough or waiting to see if they can clear their airway themselves may be safer and more effective, but if they are in distress and unable to cough, speak, or breathe, initiating the Heimlich maneuver becomes critical. Additionally, asking if someone is choking or beginning back blows without first evaluating the severity of the situation does not provide the most immediate or effective response required during such a life-threatening situation.