East Brunswick Mayor Proposes Choking Prevention Pilot Following Rescue

Ordinary diners in East Brunswick, New Jersey, may soon find new safety equipment on their tables or in the kitchen area. Mayor Brad Cohen proposed a pilot program that would place choking stations equipped with suction devices in local restaurants. The initiative aims to ensure that staff and patrons have immediate tools to clear a blocked airway.

The proposal follows a specific incident on Oct. 6, when Cohen choked on a bite of pizza during lunch. He had recently received a root canal and believed the anesthesia had not fully worn off. The food lodged in his throat, preventing him from swallowing, coughing, or using water to clear it. He stood and signaled for help, prompting a response from nearby diners.

Robert Hughes, a lifelong resident and U.S. Coast Guard veteran, acted on the scene. Hughes and his wife, Tanya, were seated two tables away. Hughes performed the Heimlich maneuver, and Cohen stated that a single push dislodged the food. The Township Council honored Hughes and his wife during a meeting on Monday, citing his "lifesaving action" and his maintained CPR certification.

The idea for the broader program originated from a letter Cohen received from a woman in Manalapan. Her 38-year-old son died from anoxia after choking approximately two months prior to Cohen's incident. The woman reported that no one around her son knew how to assist. She now intends to establish a foundation in her son's name and is seeking to use East Brunswick as the testing ground for the new safety measures.

Cohen outlined three primary goals for the pilot site: installing suction devices in dining establishments, training restaurant owners and staff on emergency response, and improving dispatcher protocols to expedite emergency aid. He noted that the effort began with a social media post he made while at a game with his son. The post led to a reply from a local dentist identifying mozzarella cheese as a common choking hazard, alongside hot dogs and grapes.

During the council meeting, President Dana Zimbicki praised Hughes for his role in the community. She acknowledged his humility and the importance of family support. Hughes accepted the recognition by thanking first responders who perform similar duties daily. Cohen expressed gratitude to Hughes, noting that he was in an unusual position as the recipient of aid rather than the provider.

Cohen has invited interested residents to contact his office to participate in a committee that will develop the program. The council passed a resolution recognizing the Hughes family's contribution to the town's safety and community spirit.