Final answer:
The first response to choking involves encouraging the person to cough and delivering back blows. If unsuccessful, perform the Heimlich maneuver and call for emergency medical assistance immediately. CPR is a last resort for unresponsive individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step you need to take when dealing with a person who is choking is to clear the airway. You should start by encouraging the person to cough, which can help dislodge the object. If coughing doesn’t work, deliver up to five sharp back blows between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. If back blows fail to clear the obstruction, proceed to perform the Heimlich maneuver, which involves abdominal thrusts that can help force the object out from the airway. In a case of severe choking where the person is unable to breathe or becomes unconscious, it is critical to call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Performing CPR should be the last resort if the person becomes unresponsive and you are trained to do so.