Final answer:
The universal sign for choking is holding your throat; it requires immediate action, such as back slaps or the Heimlich maneuver, to dislodge the obstruction in the airway and prevent asphyxia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The universal sign for choking is holding your throat. When someone is choking, they might be unable to speak, cry out, or breathe normally.
Their breathing may be labored with gasping or wheezing sounds, and they may clutch at their throat or mouth in desperation. Obstruction of the airway can lead to the face turning blue due to lack of oxygen, and if not resolved quickly, unconsciousness.
In infants, turning them upside down and slapping their back may dislodge the object. For adults, back slaps and the Heimlich maneuver are recommended. It's crucial to act swiftly as prolonged or complete choking can lead to asphyxia, which is life-threatening.