If someone is conscious but choking, what should you do?

When a person is conscious but choking, a combination of actions can be effective in helping them clear the obstruction from their airway. Performing back blows involves striking the person firmly between the shoulder blades with the heel of one hand, which can help to dislodge the object if it's located in the upper airway. This method can initiate a reflex that may expel the object.

Abdominal thrusts are another critical technique, which involves standing behind the individual and making a quick inward and upward thrust just above the navel. This maneuver creates enough pressure to potentially force the foreign object out of the airway.

Encouraging the person to cough is also important, as coughing is the body's natural reflex to expel objects from the airway. If the person is able to cough forcefully, it can be an effective way to dislodge the obstruction without additional intervention.

Using all of these approaches can provide a comprehensive response to the emergency situation of choking, as they each addresses the blockage in different ways. It is essential to assess the severity of the choking and employ all available techniques as appropriate to maximize the chances of clearing the airway safely.