What is a common sign of a choking person?

A common sign of a choking person is that they are clutching their throat. This gesture is often a universal signal indicating distress and an inability to breathe properly. When a person is choking, they instinctively place their hands on their throat to signal they are unable to speak or breathe normally, which highlights the urgency of the situation.

In contrast, if a person is coughing loudly, they may still be able to breathe, which suggests they are not fully obstructed and are attempting to clear their airway. Speaking normally or breathing steadily would indicate that the airway is not blocked, so this would not align with the signs of choking. Thus, the action of clutching the throat effectively communicates a serious situation requiring immediate attention and first aid intervention.