What is the first step when dealing with a person who is choking?

The first step when dealing with a person who is choking is to clear the airway. In a choking situation, the priority is to ensure the person can breathe again, which often involves removing the obstruction that is blocking their airway. This can initially require assessing the situation by asking the person if they can speak, cough, or breathe. If they cannot, it is crucial to attempt to dislodge the obstruction using appropriate first aid techniques, such as the Heimlich maneuver.

Attempting two breaths or beginning compressions would be relevant in cases of unresponsiveness or cardiac arrest, but not in a choking scenario where the airway needs to be immediately addressed. Stopping major bleeding is also not relevant to addressing choking and should not take precedence over restoring airflow. Therefore, focusing on clearing the airway right from the start is essential in a choking emergency.