In the case of a conscious victim with a severe airway obstruction, what is the first step?

When dealing with a conscious victim experiencing a severe airway obstruction, the appropriate first step is to assess the situation. Asking the victim if they are choking serves multiple purposes. It confirms that they are indeed experiencing an airway obstruction and provides an opportunity for the victim to acknowledge their distress. This communication helps establish a rapport and can make the victim feel more secure in a very stressful situation.

Understanding the severity of the obstruction is crucial. If the person is able to respond to this question, it indicates that they are conscious and may be able to assist in the situation, potentially by following instructed actions like coughing or performing other maneuvers to clear the airway. If they are unable to respond or show signs of distress, immediate action can be taken thereafter, such as performing back thrusts or abdominal thrusts.

The other options, while relevant to managing choking, do not effectively help in assessing the problem as the first course of action. CPR is not needed in this scenario since the victim is still conscious and breathing, and performing back thrusts or instructing them to cough might be premature without confirming that they are indeed in need of assistance and are unable to clear the obstruction themselves.