What should you do if you encounter a choking adult who cannot talk?

When an adult is choking and cannot talk, the individual is likely experiencing a severe airway obstruction. Administering abdominal thrusts is the recommended action in this situation. This technique, often referred to as the Heimlich maneuver, involves delivering sharp upward thrusts to the abdomen, which can help create pressure to expel the lodged object blocking the airway.

Abdominal thrusts are specifically designed to generate enough force to dislodge the obstruction, restoring airflow to the lungs. This method is appropriate since the person is unable to cough or speak, indicating that the obstruction is significant and requires immediate intervention. The urgency of the situation calls for this direct approach to ensure the person can breathe again.

The other options do not effectively address the immediate need for airway clearance in a choking emergency. For example, back blows alone may not generate sufficient force to remove the blockage, and encouraging coughing is not feasible when the person cannot talk or breathe adequately. Additionally, giving rescue breaths would be inappropriate without ensuring that the airway has been cleared first, as this could lead to further complications. Therefore, abdominal thrusts are the most effective response to this critical situation.