you should deliver how many back slaps and chest thrusts to a choking infant

Project Fab

3 min read

·

19-03-2025

1

0

Share

How to Help a Choking Infant: Back Blows and Chest Thrusts Explained

Choking is a terrifying experience, especially when it involves a helpless infant. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can be the difference between life and death. This article will provide a clear, step-by-step guide on administering back blows and chest thrusts to an infant experiencing choking, emphasizing the importance of appropriate technique and when to seek immediate medical attention. It is crucial to remember that this information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical training. Always call emergency services (911 or your local equivalent) immediately if an infant is choking.

Understanding the Choking Hazard

Infants are particularly vulnerable to choking because of their small airways and immature reflexes. Common causes include small objects, food particles (like pieces of hot dog, grapes, or popcorn), and even their own vomit. Recognizing the signs of choking is paramount. A choking infant may exhibit:

• Inability to cry or make sounds: This is a crucial indicator. A child who is simply gagging will still be able to make noise.
• Poor air exchange: Noticeable difficulty breathing or gasping for air.
• Blue or gray discoloration of skin (cyanosis): This indicates a lack of oxygen.
• Loss of consciousness: In severe cases, the infant may lose consciousness.
• Clutching at the throat: While infants won't be able to explicitly signal this like older children, their distress is often evident.

Back Blows and Chest Thrusts: The Procedure

The recommended first-aid technique involves a combination of back blows and chest thrusts. The number of blows and thrusts is not fixed; rather, you should continue these maneuvers until the obstruction is cleared or the infant loses consciousness.

1. Positioning the Infant:

• Support the infant: Hold the infant face down along your forearm, supporting their head and neck with your hand. Rest your forearm on your thigh or a firm surface. This position ensures gravity helps dislodge the object.

2. Back Blows:

• Delivering the blows: Using the heel of your hand, deliver five firm back blows between the infant's shoulder blades. The blows should be sharp but controlled, avoiding excessive force that could cause injury. Aim for a downward and slightly inward angle.

3. Chest Thrusts (If Back Blows are Ineffective):

• Positioning for chest thrusts: Turn the infant face up, still supporting their head and neck. Lay them on your forearm again, now face up.
• Delivering the thrusts: Two fingers should be placed on the infant's breastbone (sternum), just below the nipple line. Give five rapid chest thrusts, compressing the chest about one-third to one-half its depth. The thrusts should be short, sharp pushes.

4. Repetition and Evaluation:

• Continue alternating: If the obstruction is not dislodged after five back blows and five chest thrusts, repeat the sequence until the object is expelled, the infant begins to breathe normally, or the infant loses consciousness. Call for emergency help while you perform this procedure.

Important Considerations:

• Never put your fingers into the infant's mouth to attempt to dislodge the object. You risk pushing the obstruction further down.
• Don't slap the infant's back with your open hand. This can cause injury.
• Don't shake the infant. This will not help remove the obstruction and could seriously injure the child.
• If the infant becomes unresponsive (loses consciousness), begin CPR immediately. This involves chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper CPR training is essential.
• Continue rescue efforts until medical help arrives.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

Even after successfully dislodging the object, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention. There could be underlying injuries or residual effects from the choking incident. Signs that warrant immediate medical attention include:

• Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing: Even if the obstruction is cleared, the airways might be inflamed or damaged.
• Changes in alertness or behavior: The infant might be lethargic, unusually quiet, or exhibiting other abnormal behavior.
• Vomiting blood: This could indicate internal injury.
• Cyanosis (blue or gray discoloration of the skin): Even if temporary, it warrants medical evaluation.

Preventing Choking Hazards:

Prevention is always the best approach. Take these precautions to minimize the risk of choking in infants:

• Supervise infants closely: Never leave an infant unsupervised while eating or playing with small objects.
• Cut food into small, manageable pieces: Avoid giving infants foods that are known choking hazards, such as whole grapes, hot dogs, nuts, popcorn, and hard candies.
• Choose age-appropriate toys: Ensure toys are appropriate for the infant's age and development stage, avoiding small parts that can be easily swallowed.
• Check for small objects around the infant: Regularly check the crib, play area, and surrounding environment for potential choking hazards.

The Bottom Line: There is no set number of back blows and chest thrusts. Continue the back blows and chest thrusts until the obstruction is cleared, the infant begins breathing normally, or the infant becomes unresponsive. Immediate action and a call to emergency services are crucial for a positive outcome. Knowing the proper technique can significantly increase the chances of saving a life. Consider taking a CPR and first aid course to further enhance your ability to respond effectively in such emergency situations. This will provide you with hands-on practice and more in-depth knowledge.