What should you do if someone is choking and can't cough or speak?

When someone is choking and is unable to cough or speak, this indicates a severe airway obstruction, which requires immediate action to clear the obstruction. Performing abdominal thrusts is the recommended procedure in this situation. Abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, can help to expel the object blocking the airway by creating an upward force under the diaphragm, which is designed to increase pressure in the chest cavity and push out the obstruction.

Back blows may be helpful for someone who can still cough or make sounds, but in cases of complete airway blockage where the individual cannot cough, speak, or breathe, this method alone may not be effective. Options such as giving the person water or encouraging them to breathe deeply are inappropriate since they can exacerbate the situation and are not effective in clearing an obstruction. The priority is to clear the airway as quickly as possible to restore normal breathing.