What immediate action should an EMR take for a person that is choking?

In the case of a person who is choking, performing abdominal thrusts is the most effective immediate action. This technique, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, is designed to create an artificial cough by increasing intra-abdominal pressure. This forceful exhalation can help dislodge a foreign object blocking the airway.

Abdominal thrusts are particularly important for a person who is unable to breathe, speak, or cough effectively, as these signs indicate a severe obstruction. In contrast, while encouraging the person to cough may be appropriate in mild cases of choking, it is not suitable for situations where the airway is completely obstructed. Providing water is inappropriate because it can cause further choking, and performing back blows is typically recommended for infants or those who might still have some airflow, but not for adults experiencing severe choking. Therefore, in a situation where a person is genuinely choking and cannot respond appropriately, abdominal thrusts are the critical intervention needed to potentially save their life.