What should be done if a person is partially choking and does not clear their airway?

When a person is partially choking, it means that their airway is obstructed but not completely blocked, allowing them to still breathe and make some sounds, such as coughing. In this scenario, the best course of action is to encourage coughing, as this is a natural reflex that can help expel the object causing the obstruction. Monitoring the person is also essential to watch for any changes in their condition, such as if they can no longer cough or if their breathing worsens.

Should the person's condition not improve and they begin to show signs of distress or a complete obstruction, it's critical to call EMS. This is important because medical professionals are equipped to handle choking emergencies, and timely intervention can be life-saving. While some might believe that performing abdominal thrusts or simply leaving the person alone is suitable, abdominal thrusts should only be done if the person becomes completely unable to breathe or cough. Leaving someone alone can exacerbate the situation if their condition worsens. Thus, the correct response involves a blend of monitoring, encouragement to cough, and readiness to call for further help, which underscores the importance of acting proactively when faced with a choking incident.