What is the primary action to take when someone is choking and cannot breathe?

When someone is choking and cannot breathe, performing abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver, is the primary action to take. This technique involves delivering quick, upward thrusts just above the navel, which can help create enough pressure to expel the object blocking the airway. The Heimlich maneuver focuses specifically on increasing intra-abdominal pressure, so it's particularly effective in dislodging food or any other obstruction from the trachea.

While back blows can be helpful in certain situations, especially for infants, they are not the primary response for adults who are unable to breathe. Similarly, calling for help is important, but it does not directly address the immediate life-threatening issue of airway obstruction. Encouraging someone to cough forcefully can be appropriate if they are still able to breathe and cough, as this may expel the blockage. However, in cases where a person cannot breathe at all, immediate action to remove the obstruction, such as performing abdominal thrusts, is essential for restoring airflow and preventing serious injury or death.