Which action is critical when dealing with a severely choking person?

When dealing with a severely choking person, performing abdominal thrusts is the critical action to take. Abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver, create intra-abdominal pressure that can expel the obstructing object from the airway. This is particularly important in cases of severe choking, where the airway is obstructed and the individual cannot cough or speak properly.

Coughing forcefully can be beneficial in less severe cases, as it may help to clear mild obstructions without further intervention. However, in severe choking situations where the person cannot breathe adequately, coughing is not an effective solution. Encouraging someone to talk would be inappropriate and ineffective, as they are likely unable to communicate due to the obstruction. Giving water is also not advisable, as it can exacerbate the choking by introducing more fluid into the airway instead of clearing the obstruction. Therefore, performing abdominal thrusts is essential as it directly addresses the life-threatening situation posed by severe choking.