How can a first responder identify a choking patient?

A first responder can identify a choking patient primarily by observing the patient struggling to breathe and clutching their throat. This behavior is commonly referred to as the universal choking sign, where a person may instinctively place their hands around their throat to indicate distress. This visual cue, along with the difficulty in breathing, is a clear indication that the airway is partially or fully obstructed, necessitating immediate intervention.

The other choices present behaviors that do not align with choking. For instance, checking for a strong cough would indicate that the airway is not completely blocked, which doesn't signify a choking incident as strongly as the clutching of the throat. A calm demeanor is also not indicative of choking; typically, a person experiencing choking will show signs of fear or panic, unlike someone who is calm. Similarly, listening for normal breathing sounds can lead to a misunderstanding, as the absence of those sounds is critical in determining if the airway is obstructed, contrary to indicating choking. Thus, the specific actions of struggling to breathe and clutching the throat are the key identifying features for a choking patient.