FDA urges public to follow established choking rescue protocols

Always follow established choking rescue protocols approved by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association—such as the Heimlich maneuver—before considering other interventions. Use approved rescue protocols only when there's complete airway block or the person is unable to cough, because interventions (such as back blows) could convert a partial airway block to a complete block. Use OTC anti-choking devices only after established choking rescue protocols have failed; their safety and effectiveness haven't been established and using them first could delay other life-saving action.