First Aid Certification Manual: Choking Procedures for Infants

Choking Procedures for Infants

When dealing with a choking baby, it is crucial to act quickly and efficiently. For a choking infant, those younger than age 1, the rescuer should support the head and neck while turning the infant over. While holding the infant face down, the rescuer should perform 5 back blows with the palm of his/her hand, while ensuring that his/her hands are not covering the victim's mouth. Allow the mouth to be open so that the object can be dislodged without interference.If the back blows don’t dislodge the object, turn the infant over and perform 5 chest thrusts with the palm of the hand. Continue to perform the rotation of 5 back blows to 5 chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the victim becomes unresponsive. If the victim becomes unresponsive then perform CPR.

STEPS TO TAKE IF AN INFANT IS CHOKING

1. Ensure scene safety
2. Dial 911
3. Move to a kneeling or sitting position with the infant face down on your lap
4. Deliver 5 back blows with the palm of the hand to the infant’s back
5. Rotate the infant onto his/her back and deliver 5 chest thrusts with two fingers in the center of the chest (just below the nipple line on the breast bone - compress approximately 1½ inches)
6. Continue the alternating steps 4 and 5 until the object is dislodged of the infant becomes unresponsive
7. Perform CPR if necessary

*Special Note: If the infant is coughing forcefully or has a strong cry, do not perform back blows or chest thrusts.