In choking first aid, if the person can cough or speak, you should

• A. Perform abdominal thrusts
• B. Encourage coughing
• C. Begin chest compressions
• D. Turn them on their back

Answer: (B)

When someone is choking but can still cough or speak, the airway isn’t fully blocked. The best move is to let and encourage them to cough forcefully to try to dislodge the object. Stay with them, provide reassurance, and keep them upright while you monitor their breathing. Do not perform abdominal thrusts or chest compressions yet, and don’t lay them on their back. Abdominal thrusts and chest compressions are for situations where the person can’t breathe or cough at all and the obstruction is considered complete. If coughing stops or breathing becomes impossible, switch to the appropriate emergency steps immediately.