What is the first action to take if an athlete makes the universal choking sign?

When an athlete exhibits the universal choking sign, which typically involves clutching the throat, it indicates that they are unable to breathe properly due to an obstruction in their airway. The first action to take in this scenario is to perform abdominal thrusts. This technique is designed to create enough pressure in the chest to expel the object that is blocking the airway.

Performing abdominal thrusts immediately addresses the life-threatening situation by attempting to dislodge the obstruction, thus restoring airflow. It is crucial to act quickly when someone is choking, as brain damage can occur within minutes without oxygen. The other choices, while they may seem relevant in different contexts, do not directly address the urgency of a choking incident. For instance, assessing responsiveness or calling for help can be important steps, but they should not come before attempting to resolve the airway obstruction with abdominal thrusts during an emergency like choking.