While working in a pediatrician's office, a 4-year-old child suddenly begins to choke on a small object and is unable to cry, cough, or speak. After confirming the child is experiencing a severe airway obstruction, what is the FIRST step you should take in this emergency situation before calling for advanced medical support?
Administer an oral antihistamine to reduce potential swelling and facilitate the passage of the object.
Give the child a corticosteroid to decrease inflammation in the airway.
Sedate the child to prevent panic and facilitate the removal of the foreign body at the hospital.
Perform back blows followed by abdominal thrusts if the back blows do not dislodge the object.