What is the first action when performing abdominal thrusts on an adult choking victim?

The correct first action when performing abdominal thrusts on an adult choking victim is to stand behind them. This positioning is crucial because it allows you to provide the necessary support and leverage to perform the abdominal thrusts effectively. When standing behind the victim, you can wrap your arms around their waist, which is essential for gaining the right grip and applying the thrusts correctly.

Positioning the victim on the floor or calling for help might be steps that come later or in different scenarios, but the immediate action must prioritize getting into the right physical position to assist. Encouraging the victim to cough could be helpful initially if they are still able to breathe and make sounds, but if they are actively choking and unable to do so, abdominal thrusts become the priority action. Thus, standing behind them provides the critical support required to help expel the obstruction effectively.