What action should be taken immediately for choking adults or children?

Performing abdominal thrusts is the appropriate action to take immediately for choking adults or children who are unable to cough, speak, or breathe. This technique is designed to create pressure in the abdomen that can help to expel the object obstructing the airway. The rapid, upward force generated by the thrusts increases the pressure in the chest cavity, which can dislodge the choking object and restore airflow.

While encouraging the person to cough can be helpful if they are still able to do so forcefully, it is not sufficient in situations where they are unable to breathe or speak. Likewise, giving water to drink could complicate the situation further and increase the choking hazard. Performing back blows is generally used as an initial measure in cases of choking, but when the choking is severe and the individual cannot cough or breathe effectively, abdominal thrusts are the most effective method to remove the airway obstruction.