What should you do if someone is choking but still able to cough or speak?

When someone is choking but is still able to cough or speak, the best course of action is to encourage them to continue coughing. Coughing is a natural and effective way for the body to clear an obstruction from the airway. The force of a strong cough can help dislodge the item that is causing the choking.

If the person is able to breathe, cough, or speak, it means that their airway is not completely blocked, and they are still getting some airflow, which is a crucial indication that they can handle the situation without immediate intervention. Encouraging them to cough provides them with the best chance to remove the obstruction themselves without further risking their airway.

In contrast, performing abdominal thrusts could cause more harm or worsen the situation, especially if the airway is not fully obstructed. Giving them water to drink isn't advisable either, as this might push the obstruction further down or exacerbate the choking. While calling for emergency help is important in serious cases, in this scenario where the person can still cough and speak, it's more effective to allow them to use their own reflexes to clear the blockage.