What steps should be taken to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a choking adult?

To perform the Heimlich maneuver effectively on a choking adult, the proper technique involves standing behind the individual, wrapping your arms around their waist, and administering abdominal thrusts. This method is designed to create pressure in the abdomen that can help expel the obstruction from the airway.

Positioning your body behind the person allows for better leverage and control, enabling you to use your strength to apply the thrusts effectively. Your arms must be placed around their waist securely in order to execute thrusts that are both firm and focused, generating the necessary force to dislodge any material causing the choking.

Other options do not provide appropriate or effective methods for addressing choking. Supporting the person's head is not useful in this situation, as it does not address the blockage of the airway. Sitting the person down and patting their back might cause more harm than good; while back blows can be part of certain protocols, they are not sufficient alone for choking. Additionally, while calling for help is essential in emergency situations, it is crucial to provide immediate assistance to the individual first.