What is the first action to take when someone is severely choking?

When someone is severely choking, the first action to take is to administer abdominal thrusts. This technique, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, is specifically designed to help expel an obstruction from a person's airway. The goal is to generate enough force to dislodge the object causing the choking, which can potentially save the person's life.

While calling emergency services is crucial in situations of severe choking, it is critical to first attempt to relieve the obstruction immediately through abdominal thrusts, especially when the individual is unable to cough, speak, or breathe adequately. Providing back blows can also be beneficial but is typically a secondary method that should be used in conjunction with abdominal thrusts rather than as the primary action for severe choking. Performing rescue breaths is inappropriate until an airway has been cleared, as they cannot be effective if the airway remains blocked. Thus, starting with abdominal thrusts is the most effective and immediate response in this emergency scenario.