When a person collapses after showing the universal sign of choking, what should be the first response?

The first response when a person collapses after showing the universal sign of choking is to perform abdominal thrusts. This is because when someone is choking and is unable to breathe, speak, or cough effectively, the priority is to remove the obstruction from their airway to restore airflow. Abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, are specifically designed to expel the object causing the choke.

Performing abdominal thrusts can generate enough pressure within the airway to force the obstruction out. This action is critical, especially since the person has lost consciousness, indicating a severe airway blockage that must be addressed immediately. The aim is to clear the airway so that the person can breathe again.

While calling for help and checking for a pulse are important steps in emergency response, they are secondary to addressing the immediate threat of airway obstruction. Administering rescue breaths would be appropriate if the person were unconscious and not breathing due to another reason, but in the case of choking, the priority must be to clear the airway first.