Good thing you’re a Dr. Most people don’t and won’t know that — when faced in the same situation...and stating so as you just did...won’t stop someone from trying to save them. Seems like a natural instictive thing to do.
It’s basic CPR training -— coughing or making noise — no CPR (other than clearing airway).
Presumably, if a person knows how to do chest compressions, they also remember that.
Seriously? I thought most people would know their basic lifesaving ABC's, Airway, Breathing and Circulation. If you don't, I'm sure your community Red Cross has inexpensive courses. All of my kids have taken the course and are CPR trained. Everyone should know this stuff. I hate being the only one around who could save my life.
The first thing to do is to ensure that the Airway is clear.
The second thing to do is to check for Breathing.
The third thing to do is to check Circulation.
You only administer Mouth-to-Mouth if the person is NOT BREATHING. And you only administer chest compressions if there is no blood circulation. If the person is gasping for breath, then the person is still breathing -- though with difficulty. You should try to eliminate or alleviate whatever is causing the difficulty in breathing. To simply try to force more air through an obstructed airway will not help matters and may actually cause more damage.
It doesn't take a doctor to know that. (I'm not one, but I remember enough of the CPR training that I had in middle school and high school over 25 years ago that I would at least know these basics.) If you would not have known the ABC's of CPR as I just explained them and how to apply them in an emergency, then I would recommend that you find a CPR course from your local YMCA or community center and take one ASAP and get your family members to take it along with you.