When an adult or child is unconscious and choking, what is the first step to take?

When dealing with an unconscious adult or child who is choking, starting CPR is a critical first step because the priority is to restore breathing and circulation. If the individual is unconscious, it indicates that their airway is likely obstructed, and immediate action is necessary to prevent further harm. Starting CPR will allow you to provide chest compressions, which can help create pressure in the chest that may expel the object blocking the airway.

In this situation, other steps such as abdominal thrusts or back slaps are not suitable for unconscious individuals, as they could potentially cause further injury or impede effective resuscitation efforts. Additionally, simply verifying that the airway is clear does not address the immediate life-threatening situation that choking presents, especially when the person is unresponsive. Therefore, initiating CPR is the most effective action to take to potentially clear the airway and restore normal breathing.