What actions should you take if a choking adult cannot speak or cough forcefully?

When an adult is choking and cannot speak or cough forcefully, the appropriate response involves administering cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts. This is because these techniques are designed to create the necessary force to expel the obstruction from the airway.

Back blows help to deliver force from the back, which can dislodge the object, while abdominal thrusts (often referred to as the Heimlich maneuver) apply pressure to the abdomen that forces air upward, compressing the lungs and potentially pushing the blockage out of the airway. Together, these actions form an effective emergency response to relieve choking.

Other responses, such as performing chest compressions only or encouraging the person to cough, are not suitable in this acute scenario. Chest compressions are intended for cardiac arrest situations rather than choking, and encouraging a person who cannot cough or speak is unlikely to help, as they are unable to initiate those actions due to the obstruction. Additionally, while calling for help is important, it should be done after initiating the appropriate physical interventions, as the priority is to address the choking hazard immediately.