The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages the public to follow established choking rescue protocols, which are step-by-step guides approved by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association to relieve airway obstruction in choking victims.
- Protocol to rescue choking adults/children (American Red Cross)
- Protocol to rescue choking children (American Heart Association)
- Protocol to rescue choking infants (American Heart Association)
These rescue protocols include a combination of back blows and/or abdominal thrusts (also called the “Heimlich” maneuver) for adults and children. The established rescue protocols are the most effective method to relieve airway obstruction in a choking victim. If the standard protocols are unsuccessful, anti-choking devices may be used as a second option to remove an obstruction. If you choose to use an anti-choking device, be familiar with the device and its instructions for use. Consumers, parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers should be aware that using an anti-choking device before established protocols could delay critical life-saving action.