What is the first action to take when assisting a person who is completely choking?

When a person is completely choking, the immediate first action is to assist them. This is because a blockage in the airway that prevents airflow can quickly become life-threatening. If a person is unable to cough or speak, they are in a critical situation and require urgent intervention.

Assisting them typically involves performing the Heimlich maneuver or abdominal thrusts to help dislodge the obstruction. It is essential to act quickly and decisively, as the longer the airway remains blocked, the higher the risk of suffocation or unconsciousness.

Other responses may not effectively address the immediate danger. While encouraging someone to cough or take deep breaths might be considered in less serious situations, in cases of complete choking where airflow is obstructed, these actions would not help resolve the emergency. Instructing bystanders to call for help is certainly a good step to be taken in a broader context, but the priority is to take direct action to clear the airway.