Sharon has 21+ years of experience as a qualified Emergency Care Nurse registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) and 12+ years as a First Aid Trainer.
She takes pride in FirstAidPro making first aid training available, comprehensive and affordable to everybody.
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When an infant starts choking, you’ll need to act quickly and decisively. Knowing the correct steps to take can mean the difference between life and death.
You’ve likely heard various methods for helping a choking baby or child up to 1 year, but it’s vital to understand the most effective techniques recommended by medical professionals.
In this guide, you’ll discover the seven best steps to aid choking infants, ensuring you’re prepared for this frightening scenario. From recognising the signs to performing life-saving manoeuvres, we’ll walk you through each important action.
Key Takeaways
• Position the infant face-down on your forearm with their head lower than their body.
• Deliver five quick, forceful back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
• Perform five chest thrusts with two fingers on the breastbone, just below the nipple line.
• Alternate between back blows and chest thrusts until the obstruction is cleared or help arrives.
• Check the infant’s mouth for visible obstructions and remove them carefully with a finger.
Recognise Signs of Infant Choking
Three primary signs indicate an infant is choking: inability to cry or make sounds, difficulty breathing, and bluish skin colour, particularly around the mouth and fingertips.
As a caregiver, you must remain vigilant and act swiftly if you suspect an infant is choking. Choking prevention and infant safety are essential, so familiarise yourself with these additional signs.
Watch for weak, ineffective coughing or high-pitched noises while breathing. These sounds suggest the airway is partially blocked. You may notice the infant’s chest and neck retracting as they struggle to breathe. Their lips and face might turn red initially, then progress to a bluish tint if oxygen deprivation continues.
An infant experiencing a complete airway obstruction won’t be able to make any sounds at all. They’ll appear panicked, and their arms may flail. In severe cases, the infant may lose consciousness rapidly.
Don’t confuse choking with gagging, which is a natural reflex. Gagging often resolves quickly, while choking requires immediate intervention. If you’re unsure, always err on the side of caution and begin first aid procedures immediately.
Quick recognition of these signs is vital for effective infant choking management.
Position the Infant Correctly
The first important step in responding to an infant choking emergency is to position the baby correctly for effective intervention. Proper positioning is vital for infant safety and emergency preparedness.
Start by sitting down and placing the infant face-down on your forearm, supporting their head and neck with your hand. Make sure the baby’s head is lower than their body to aid gravity in dislodging the object.
Rest your forearm on your thigh to provide a stable surface. The infant’s legs should straddle your arm, with one leg on either side. This position allows you to deliver back blows effectively. If you’re unable to sit, you can kneel on one knee and rest your arm on your other thigh.
It’s essential to maintain a firm grip on the infant throughout the process. Be prepared to quickly flip the baby onto their back for chest thrusts if back blows aren’t successful.
Deliver Back Blows
Once you’ve positioned the infant correctly, you’ll need to deliver back blows.
Place your hand firmly on the infant’s back and use the heel of your hand to deliver five quick, forceful blows between the shoulder blades.
Repeat this process if the object isn’t dislodged, alternating with chest thrusts as necessary.
Proper Positioning Technique
Position the infant face-down along your forearm, supporting their head and neck with your hand while their body straddles your arm. This positioning technique is vital for effective back blows in infant airway management. Understanding infant anatomy is important for proper execution. Make sure the baby’s head is slightly lower than their chest to aid gravity in dislodging the obstruction.
When administering back blows, follow these key steps:
- Hold the infant firmly, supporting their jaw with your thumb and fingers.
- Align your forearm with your thigh for stability, especially if you’re seated.
- Use the heel of your free hand to deliver firm, quick blows between the infant’s shoulder blades.
- Maintain a consistent rhythm, delivering up to five back blows.
Keep the infant’s head secure throughout the process. If the object isn’t expelled after five back blows, you’ll need to shift to chest thrusts. Remember, your goal is to create a sudden rush of air to dislodge the obstruction from the airway.
Stay calm and focused, as your actions can be life-saving. If the infant loses consciousness, immediately begin CPR and call for emergency medical assistance.
Force and Repetition
Deliver back blows with swift, forceful motions to create sufficient air pressure for dislodging the obstruction.
When administering these blows, strike firmly between the infant’s shoulder blades using the heel of your hand. You’ll need to apply more force than you might initially think, as the goal is to generate enough pressure to expel the foreign object.
Repeat this action five times in quick succession. It’s vital to maintain a steady rhythm and consistent force throughout the process.
If the initial set of back blows doesn’t clear the airway, you’ll need to alternate with chest compression techniques as part of the established emergency protocols for choking infants.
Perform Chest Thrusts
To perform chest thrusts on a choking infant, you’ll need to use proper hand placement technique.
Place two fingers on the breastbone, just below the nipple line, and deliver quick, firm thrusts inward and upward.
Alternate between five chest thrusts and five back blows until the object is expelled or the infant becomes unconscious.
Proper Hand Placement Technique
Your hand placement is vital when performing chest thrusts on a choking infant. Proper technique guarantees maximum effectiveness while minimising the risk of injury.
To execute chest thrusts correctly, follow these precise steps:
- Position the infant face-up on your forearm, supporting their head and neck with your hand.
- Rest your forearm on your thigh for stability, keeping the infant’s head slightly lower than their body.
- Place two fingers on the infant’s breastbone, just below the nipple line.
- Deliver quick, firm thrusts downward and inward, compressing the chest about 1.5 inches.
Maintain a steady rhythm, performing 5 chest thrusts in quick succession. It’s essential to avoid applying pressure to the infant’s throat or directly on the xiphoid process (the lower tip of the breastbone).
This technique, when executed correctly, can dislodge an airway obstruction while prioritising infant safety. Remember, your hand placement should be precise and consistent throughout the procedure.
If the object isn’t expelled after 5 thrusts, alternate between back blows and chest thrusts until emergency medical help arrives or the obstruction is cleared.
Alternating With Back Blows
Alternating chest thrusts with back blows is a critical component of infant choking first aid, maximising the chances of dislodging the airway obstruction.
After performing five chest thrusts, you’ll need to quickly shift to the back blow technique. Turn the infant face down on your forearm, supporting their head and neck with your hand. Confirm the infant’s head is lower than their body to aid gravity in expelling the object.
With the heel of your free hand, deliver five firm back blows between the infant’s shoulder blades. Use controlled force, as an infant’s body is delicate. After the back blows, swiftly return to the chest thrust position and repeat the cycle.
Continue alternating between chest thrusts and back blows until the object is expelled or the infant becomes unconscious. This alternating method increases the likelihood of success by applying pressure from different angles.
Remember, infant safety is paramount, so maintain a calm demeanour and be prepared to initiate CPR if the infant loses consciousness.
Always call emergency services immediately when dealing with a choking infant, even if you’ve successfully dislodged the object.
Alternate Back Blows and Thrusts
Efficient alternation between back blows and chest thrusts forms an essential part of the infant choking rescue procedure. This technique maximises your chances of dislodging the obstruction and clearing the airway.
When faced with an infant choking emergency, it’s vital to respond swiftly and confidently.
Here’s how to alternate back blows and chest thrusts effectively:
Repeat this cycle of back blows and chest thrusts until the object is expelled or the infant becomes unconscious.
Deliver five back blows between the infant’s shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
Quickly shift to chest thrusts by turning the infant face-up on your forearm.
Perform five chest thrusts using two fingers on the breastbone, just below the nipple line.
Check for Obstruction Removal
After performing back blows and chest thrusts, it’s vital to check if the obstruction has been dislodged from the infant’s airway. This obstruction assessment is imperative for determining the next steps in your choking prevention efforts.
Look inside the infant’s mouth for any visible objects that may have been expelled. If you can see the obstruction, carefully remove it with your little finger. However, don’t perform a blind finger sweep, as this can push the object further into the airway.
If you don’t see anything, continue alternating between back blows and chest thrusts. After each set, reassess the situation. Look for signs that the obstruction has been cleared, such as coughing, crying, or breathing.
If the infant becomes unconscious, begin CPR immediately. Remember, your quick action and thorough assessment can make a life-saving difference. Always stay calm and focused during this process.
If you’re unable to remove the obstruction and the infant’s condition worsens, call emergency services immediately. Regularly updating your first aid skills, including infant CPR and choking prevention techniques, can help you respond effectively in these significant situations.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Timely medical evaluation is vital, even if you’ve successfully cleared the infant’s airway. After performing first aid for a choking infant, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. Emergency response professionals can assess the child’s condition and provide any necessary follow-up care.
When seeking medical attention, follow these steps:
- Call emergency services (000 in Australia) immediately, even if the obstruction seems cleared.
- Keep the infant calm and monitor their breathing closely until help arrives.
- Prepare to provide a detailed account of the incident to medical professionals.
- Follow any instructions given by emergency dispatchers while waiting for help.
Remember that seemingly minor choking incidents can have hidden complications. Medical professionals can check for potential injuries to the airway or lungs that may not be immediately apparent. They’ll also verify that no foreign material remains in the respiratory tract.
Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention, even if you’re unsure about the severity of the choking episode. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to infant health. Prompt medical evaluation can prevent potential complications and provide peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of improperly performing back blows or chest thrusts on a choking infant?
Improper technique can lead to injuries such as bruising, broken ribs, or further lodging the obstruction deeper into the airway. Always ensure you’re using the correct force and positioning when delivering back blows and chest thrusts. Enrolling in a certified first aid course will help you practice these techniques safely and effectively.
How can I prevent infant choking during feeding or play?
To prevent choking, always supervise infants during meals and playtime. Cut food into small, manageable pieces and avoid giving high-risk items like nuts or hard candy. Keep small objects, such as coins or toys with detachable parts, out of reach. Prevention is key to reducing the likelihood of a choking emergency.
Should I perform first aid differently if the infant has a medical condition?
Yes, some medical conditions, such as respiratory disorders or low muscle tone, may require tailored first aid techniques. If you know an infant has a specific condition, consult their healthcare provider for recommendations. Specialised first aid training can also help you handle these situations with confidence.
