What is the appropriate action for a conscious adult who is choking?

In the situation of a conscious adult who is choking, performing abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver, is the appropriate action. This technique involves providing quick, upward thrusts just above the person's navel to create enough pressure to expel the object causing the blockage. This is an effective method to assist someone who is unable to breathe due to an obstruction, quickly clearing their airway and preventing more serious complications.

While options like coughing firmly can sometimes help to dislodge smaller objects, it is not the most reliable action for a severe choking situation where the person is struggling to breathe. Giving water can actually lead to further choking and is not advisable in this emergency scenario. Gently patting the back may not provide the force necessary to remove the obstruction and is generally considered less effective than the Heimlich maneuver. Thus, abdominal thrusts are the most effective and widely recommended method for relieving choking in an adult who is still conscious.