When assisting someone who is choking, what should you encourage them to do?

Encouraging someone who is choking to cough continuously is the most effective option because coughing is a natural reflex that can help expel an obstruction from the airway. When a person coughs forcefully, it generates pressure in the lungs that can help to dislodge the object blocking their airway. This method is often successful especially if the person is still able to breathe and speak, indicating that the airway is only partially obstructed.

The other suggestions may not effectively address the choking issue. Taking sips of water can potentially worsen the situation by pushing the object further down the throat. Striking their back gently is appropriate in some scenarios but is not the first recommended action if they are still able to cough. Raising their arms is not a recognized technique for managing a choking situation and does not assist in clearing the airway. Therefore, encouraging continuous coughing leverages the body’s natural reflex to help resolve the choking hazard.