If a choking victim is able to cough, what is the rescuer advised to avoid doing?

When a choking victim is able to cough, it is often a sign that they are able to partially clear their airway on their own. In this situation, the body’s natural reflex to cough is the most effective means for expelling the object causing the obstruction. Therefore, performing the Heimlich maneuver is not advised because it can introduce additional risks or complications, such as causing the object to lodge more firmly or even lead to injury.

Encouraging the victim to continue coughing allows them to attempt to remove the obstruction themselves. Also, it’s important to stay alert and ready to assist further, and calling for emergency help remains a crucial step, as the situation could escalate. Patting them on the back might also seem supportive, but it should be done cautiously and in moderation, as excessive force could also worsen the situation. The focus should be on not interfering with the victim's natural ability to cough, which is vital for their recovery.