If a choking person is able to cough forcefully, what should you do?

When a choking person is able to cough forcefully, the most appropriate action is to encourage them to continue coughing. Coughing is a natural reflex that helps to expel the obstruction from the airway. By encouraging the person to cough, you are allowing them to utilize this reflex effectively, which is often the best defense against a partially obstructed airway.

Coughing increases pressure in the lungs, which can help dislodge the object causing the choking. It is important to support and reassure the coughing individual so they feel empowered to continue this action until the blockage is cleared or help arrives.

The other options, such as giving abdominal thrusts or patting the person on the back forcefully, are reserved for situations where the person cannot cough or breathe effectively. Needle procedures, like needle insertion at REN-22, are typically not appropriate in emergency choking situations and are not a standard first aid response for airway obstruction.