Which of the following should be the first action taken in a suspected choking incident?

In a suspected choking incident, encouraging the person to cough is often the first appropriate action to take, especially if they are able to cough effectively. Coughing is the body's natural reflex to expel an obstruction from the airway. If the person is able to cough, it indicates that they may still have some airflow and can potentially dislodge the object themselves. This allows their body to initiate a response to clear the obstruction without the need for immediate intervention.

If the person is unable to cough or is showing signs of severe distress, then further actions such as administering back blows or performing abdominal thrusts should be considered. These maneuvers are effective for removing obstructions when a person is unable to breathe or cough adequately. Calling for emergency medical services is also critical, but initially encouraging a competent cough is the most appropriate response when the individual still has the ability to do so. This approach allows for the resolution of the choking issue with minimal intervention, leveraging the body's own mechanisms.