What should you do if an adult is choking and becomes unresponsive?

When an adult is choking and becomes unresponsive, the first and foremost action is to initiate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) immediately. This is crucial because unresponsiveness indicates that the person can no longer manage their own airway and is not breathing adequately. CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths, which help circulate blood to vital organs and provide oxygen to the body.

In cases of unresponsiveness due to choking, performing CPR can also help dislodge the obstruction if it is in the airway. Compressions may create enough pressure in the thoracic cavity to expel the item blocking the airway, thus aiding in restoring normal breathing.

While calling for help is important at some stage, the immediate focus must be on ensuring that the person receives CPR. Engaging in back blows or abdominal thrusts is also not appropriate once a person is unresponsive, as these techniques require the person to be conscious and able to respond to cues. Hence, initiating CPR is the correct and necessary procedure in this critical situation.