How should you respond if you encounter a responsive choking adult?

Encouraging a responsive choking adult to cough while staying calm is the correct response because coughing is the body's natural mechanism to clear the airway. When a person is able to cough, it indicates they still have some air exchange and the ability to remove the obstruction themselves. By remaining calm and reassuring, you help them focus on the act of coughing, which may dislodge the object causing the choking.

This approach reduces panic, allowing the individual to apply their strength in a productive way. It's crucial to avoid interventions like performing abdominal thrusts at this stage since they may not be necessary and could potentially cause harm if the airway is not fully blocked. Furthermore, leaving the person to handle it alone would not provide the support they might need, and panicking or shouting for help could create additional stress and hinder their ability to cough effectively. Overall, encouraging coughing is the safest and most effective first response in managing a responsive choking adult.