Final answer:
First, encourage the choking person to cough. If that fails, give five back slaps, and if the obstruction does not clear, perform the Heimlich maneuver by giving quick, upward abdominal thrusts until the obstruction is expelled or emergency services arrive.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you encounter a person who is choking and showing signs such as being unable to speak, labored breathing, clutching at their throat, and cyanosis (blueness) around the lips, you should immediately take action. The first thing to do is encourage the person to cough if they are able to do so. If coughing does not resolve the issue, administer five back slaps between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand to help dislodge the object.
If the back slaps fail to clear the airway obstruction, perform the Heimlich maneuver. Stand behind the person, wrap your arms around their waist, place a fist above their navel and grasp it with your other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust as if trying to lift the person up. Repeat until the obstruction is expelled oremergency medical services arrive.
In case the person becomes unconscious, initiate emergency procedures like calling for medical help and commencing CPR if you are trained to do so. Remember that while the Heimlich maneuver is a common technique, it should be performed correctly to avoid injury.