In the case of choking, what is the first step for an adult?

In the case of choking for an adult, the first step is to encourage the individual to cough if they are able to do so. This is because coughing is a natural reflex that can help to expel the obstruction from the airway. If the person can cough, it indicates that they can breathe and are not completely obstructed, thereby allowing them to use this reflex to potentially clear the blockage.

Coughing increases the pressure in the airway, which can dislodge the item causing the obstruction. It's important to give the individual the chance to do this before further interventions are considered. If the person cannot breathe, speak, or cough effectively, then more advanced techniques like the Heimlich maneuver would be appropriate next steps.

Encouraging the individual to cough aligns with the principles of airway management, as it respects the body's ability to try and resolve the issue on its own before moving to more invasive measures.