What action should you take if someone is choking and cannot cough or speak?

When a person is choking and cannot cough or speak, it indicates a severe blockage of the airway. In this situation, the Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is the appropriate and necessary response to help dislodge the obstruction. This technique involves delivering quick inward and upward thrusts to the abdomen, which can generate enough pressure to expel the object blocking the airway.

Other options, such as giving water to drink or waiting for them to clear their throat, are ineffective and potentially dangerous because they do not address the blockage and could worsen the situation. Encouraging the person to breathe slowly is not advisable either, as they may not be able to breathe adequately due to the obstruction. Therefore, performing the Heimlich maneuver is the essential action to take to assist someone who is choking in a critical situation.