What should you do if someone is choking and cannot cough, speak, or breathe?

When someone is choking and cannot cough, speak, or breathe, performing the Heimlich maneuver is the appropriate response. This technique, also known as abdominal thrusts, is designed to create artificial pressure in the abdomen, which, in turn, helps to expel the object that is blocking the airway. This is a critical step in a choking emergency because it directly addresses the life-threatening obstruction that prevents the person from breathing.

Encouraging someone to drink water is not effective and can be dangerous, as it might cause further choking. Similarly, giving back blows might be appropriate for certain circumstances, but in cases where the person is unable to cough, speak, or breathe, the Heimlich maneuver is more effective in clearing the airway. Waiting for the person to recover on their own is also inappropriate, as time is of the essence in such emergencies, and without immediate action, the individual could become unconscious or suffer severe complications. Thus, performing the Heimlich maneuver is the correct and decisive action to take in this critical situation.