Which action should you take to ensure the safety of a responsive choking child?

The appropriate action to take with a responsive choking child is to provide abdominal thrusts and back blows. This method is effective in helping to dislodge the object that is causing the obstruction. When a child is choking but still responsive, they may be able to cough and breathe, which can help expel the object on their own. However, if the situation does not improve and the child shows signs of distress, performing back blows followed by abdominal thrusts can be crucial in delivering the necessary aid to remove the obstruction and restore normal breathing.

Encouraging the child to cough vigorously can be helpful in some situations, but it might not be sufficient for a more serious obstruction. Abdominal thrusts and back blows are specifically designed to apply pressure in a way that can effectively clear the airway.

Calling for emergency assistance is essential when there is a serious situation, but in the case of a responsive choking child who can still cough or speak, immediate emergency intervention is not yet necessary if you can provide help effectively.

Opening the mouth forcefully to check for the obstruction may not only be ineffective but could also worsen the situation, potentially pushing the object deeper into the airway. Hence, providing the appropriate physical interventions is the best course of action in this scenario.