Final answer:
If a choking victim is coughing, encourage them to keep coughing. If the obstruction doesn't clear, administer back slaps and if necessary, perform the Heimlich maneuver. Seek medical help immediately if severe choking persists.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a choking victim is coughing, you should encourage them to continue coughing. Coughing is a natural reflex and the most effective way to dislodge an obstruction from the airway. It is important not to interfere if the person is able to cough, as this could potentially move the object into a more dangerous position or prevent the person from ejecting it themselves.
In the event that coughing does not remove the obstruction, you can administer a few hard back slaps to help force the lodged object out of the airway. If the victim is an infant, turn the baby upside down and gently slap on the back. For older persons, if coughing and back slaps do not work, you can perform the Heimlich maneuver. This is critical to dislodge the object if the choking is severe.
Remember to watch the victim closely for signs of severe choking, which include inability to speak, labored breathing with gasping or wheezing, and clutching at the throat or mouth. If oxygen deprivation continues, the person's face may turn blue, followed by unconsciousness. Immediate medical attention is crucial if the victim's condition worsens or if the Heimlich maneuver fails to remove the obstruction.