BLS Certification Manual: Choking Procedures for Infants

Procedures for Infants

For an infant younger than 1 year with a severe airway obstruction, use alternating back blows and chest thrusts. Do not perform abdominal thrusts on an infant.

First Aid Steps:

1. Confirm that the infant has signs of severe choking
2. Call 911 or direct another person to call
3. Support the infant's head and neck
4. Position the infant face down along your forearm or thigh with the head lower than the chest
5. Give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand
6. Turn the infant face up while continuing to support the head and neck
7. Give 5 chest thrusts using the heel of one hand over the center of the chest
8. Continue alternating 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts
9. Continue until the object is expelled or the infant becomes unresponsive

If the Infant Is Coughing or Crying Forcefully

If the infant can cough or cry forcefully, allow the infant to continue attempting to clear the airway. Monitor closely for signs that the obstruction is becoming severe.

If the Infant Becomes Unresponsive

1. Place the infant on a firm, flat surface
2. Begin CPR starting with chest compressions
3. When opening the airway for breaths, look for a visible object
4. Remove the object only if it is clearly visible and easily reachable
5. Do not perform a blind finger sweep
6. Continue CPR and emergency response until professional help takes over

Remember:  5 back blows → 5 chest thrusts , with the chest thrust delivered using the heel of one hand.