What action should you take if a choking person is coughing forcefully?

When a person is choking but can cough forcefully, it is crucial to encourage them to continue coughing. Coughing is the body's natural mechanism to expel an obstruction from the airway. If the person can cough effectively, it means their airway is not completely blocked, and they still have some airflow. By supporting them and encouraging this action, you are allowing their body to potentially dislodge the object on its own without the need for interventions that might be necessary if the cough were weak or absent.

Both back blows and administering chest thrusts are recommended when the choking is severe and the individual cannot cough, speak, or breathe at all. Calling for emergency assistance is vital if the situation does not improve or if the choking continues, but if the person is effectively coughing, they are still able to manage the situation independently, making this option unnecessary at that moment. Thus, encouraging continued coughing is the most appropriate response for someone who is choking yet can manage to cough forcefully.