The current AHA guidelines do not seem to support the use of back blows for conscious choking adults yet this is often taught in Red Cross or St. John courses. Am I mistaken or is there disparity between the current teaching?

We cannot speak to the teaching of other courses.  However, the suggestion for abdominal compressions as the technique of choice is highlighted in the 2010 AHA guidelines, Although chest thrusts, back slaps, and abdominal thrusts are feasible and effective for relieving severe FBAO in conscious (responsive) adults and children ‰¥1 year of age, for simplicity in training it is recommended that abdominal thrusts be applied in rapid sequence until the obstruction is relieved (Class IIb, LOE B).

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