What indicates the need to call 9-1-1 during a choking incident?

The need to call 9-1-1 during a choking incident is indicated when a person is unable to speak or breathe. This condition signifies a severe airway obstruction, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate assistance. When an individual cannot speak, it typically means that the airway is significantly blocked, preventing them from expelling air and thus unable to make any sounds. Additionally, the inability to breathe is a critical sign that the obstruction is life-threatening. In such cases, prompt medical intervention is essential, as the person could rapidly lose consciousness or suffer irreversible harm due to lack of oxygen.

Coughing indicates that the airway is only partially blocked, which suggests that the body may be able to clear the obstruction by itself, and therefore, calling 9-1-1 is unnecessary when a person is coughing. Being alert and eating do not inherently indicate a choking emergency, as these scenarios usually imply that the person is functioning normally with no immediate threat to their airway. Thus, the necessity to call for professional help directly correlates to the inability of the person to speak or breathe.