In general, what should be the first step when responding to a choking incident?

Encouraging the child to cough if they can is the correct first step in responding to a choking incident because coughing is the body's natural way to expel an obstruction from the airway. If the child is able to cough, it indicates that they can still breathe, which means that they might be able to clear the object on their own. This approach helps avoid unnecessary interventions that could cause further distress or harm if the child is indeed capable of expelling the obstruction by themselves.

Taking this step allows for an observation of the child's capability while waiting to see if the coughing will effectively dislodge the object. If the coughing does not resolve the issue and the child becomes unable to breathe or talk, then additional measures, such as performing the Heimlich maneuver, would be appropriate. However, it is critical to first assess the situation and allow the individual to use their own body’s mechanisms to address the choking if possible.