What is the best way to relieve severe choking in a responsive adult?

For severe choking in a responsive adult, follow the steps below:

1. Encourage the person to try to cough up the object.

2. If the person is unable to cough up the object, perform the Heimlich maneuver.

To perform the Heimlich maneuver:

1. Stand behind the person and wrap your arms around their waist.

2. Place one hand into a fist and place it just above the person's navel.

3. Grasp your fist with your other hand and pull it inward and upward quickly and forcefully.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the foreign object dislodges or the person becomes unconscious.

If the person becomes unconscious:

1. Call for emergency help immediately.

2. Begin CPR if you are trained to do so.

3. Continue performing CPR until emergency help arrives.

4. If the object is dislodged, encourage the person to cough it up.

5. If the person is unable to cough up the object, seek medical attention immediately.

Do not perform the Heimlich maneuver if the person is not choking.

Choking is a serious emergency. If you are ever in doubt, call for emergency help.