Where did the International sign of choking originate?

The international sign of choking, which involves placing both hands around the neck, is believed to have originated from the need for a universal gesture to indicate distress due to airway obstruction. It gained prominence in the 1980s, particularly after being popularized by the American Red Cross and other organizations advocating for first aid awareness. The simplicity and clarity of the gesture make it easily recognizable across different cultures and languages.