With complete airway obstruction, what is the victim unable to do?

When a victim experiences complete airway obstruction, the most critical and defining issue is their inability to breathe, cough, or speak. This situation occurs when an object completely blocks the airflow into the lungs, preventing oxygen intake. The inability to breathe is the immediate medical emergency because the victim cannot get the oxygen necessary for survival.

While it's true that the victim may also struggle to signal for help, the answers focusing on breathing and speaking capture the essential physiological dysfunction caused by the obstruction. Complete airway obstruction fundamentally hinders all functions that rely on airflow, marking it as a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. In such a scenario, the victim may produce some sounds or attempts to communicate, but without the ability to breathe, their oxygen levels will plummet quickly, making this inability the most critical aspect to address.