Caring for a Responsive Choking Child or Infant

Summary

This video provides a clear demonstration of how to care for a choking child and infant. It explains the step-by-step process for performing back blows and abdominal thrusts on a choking child, with slight modifications for their smaller size. For infants, it highlights using back blows followed by chest thrusts, with precise techniques for supporting the infant's head, neck, and chest. The video emphasizes safety and obtaining parental consent, offering practical guidance for helping a choking child or infant until they can breathe or become unresponsive.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍⚕️ The technique for a choking child is similar to that for an adult but with slight modifications.
• 🛑 Always obtain consent from a parent or guardian before providing care to a child, unless they are unavailable, in which case consent is implied.
• 🧎 You may need to kneel behind the child to effectively perform back blows and abdominal thrusts.
• 🔄 Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the airway is cleared.
• 👶 For a choking infant, alternate 5 back blows with 5 chest thrusts.
• ✋ To perform back blows on an infant, place them face-down along your forearm, supporting their head and jaw, and deliver the blows between the shoulder blades.
• ⚠️ Ensure the infant's head is lower than the rest of their body when performing back blows.
• 🤚 Use two fingers to perform chest thrusts on an infant, pressing below the nipple line with each thrust being about 1.5 inches deep.
• 🔄 Continue the cycle of 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the infant coughs, cries, or becomes unresponsive.
• 🛟 Throughout, ensure proper support of the infant's head, neck, and back.

Q & A

What are the key differences in performing the choking technique on a child compared to an adult?

The choking technique for a child is similar to that of an adult, but with slight modifications, such as kneeling behind the child to provide effective back blows and abdominal thrusts.

When is it implied that you have consent to help a choking child?

If the parent or guardian is not available, consent is implied, meaning you can proceed with helping the child.

How many back blows and abdominal thrusts should be administered to a choking child?

Five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts should be administered, repeating the cycle as needed.

What is the correct position to hold an infant when performing back blows for choking relief?

The infant should be positioned face down along your forearm, with their head cradled by your hand, and supported by your thigh, ensuring the head is lower than the body.

Why is it important not to cover the infant's face during the procedure?

It’s important not to cover the infant’s face to ensure their airway remains unobstructed, and so you can observe any changes in their condition.

Where exactly should chest thrusts be applied on an infant?

Chest thrusts should be applied in the center of the infant's chest, just below the nipple line, using two fingers to press about 1.5 inches deep.

How should you handle the infant’s head and neck during chest thrusts?

During chest thrusts, you should support the infant’s head, neck, and back while keeping the head lower than the chest.

What should you do if the infant becomes unresponsive during choking relief attempts?

If the infant becomes unresponsive, you should immediately stop performing back blows and chest thrusts and seek emergency medical help.

How do you ensure the infant’s safety while giving back blows?

To ensure the infant’s safety, hold their head securely, keep the fingers away from their face, and use firm but controlled back blows.

When should you stop performing back blows and chest thrusts on a choking infant?

You should stop performing back blows and chest thrusts when the infant can cough or cry, indicating that their airway is no longer blocked.