In a choking emergency, every second counts. This guide provides clear, step-by-step first aid instructions for handling infant choking situations effectively. Designed for parents and caregivers, it equips you with crucial skills to act swiftly and save an infant’s life. Learn these vital techniques to be prepared when it matters most.
Identifying Choking Signs and Symptoms in Infants
Recognize a severe airway block in an infant by these signs:
- Cannot breathe or make sounds
- Silent Cough
- Weak or no cough
- High-pitched squeaking noises when breathing or no sound
- Pale or blue skin color
- Unable to cough or cry
- Appearances of panic, confusion, or surprise
Infant Choking Rescue: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Position the Infant Correctly
- Lay the infant face-down along your forearm using your thigh for support.
- Ensure the infant’s head is lower than its body.
Step 2: Give 5 Firm Back Blows
- Give 5 firm back blows using the heel of your hand to strike between the infant’s shoulder blades.
If the object does not dislodge, proceed with:
Step 3: Reposition the Infant
- Turn the infant face-up.
- Keep their head lower than their body.
Step 4: Give 5 Quick Chest Thrusts
- Use 2 fingers to give 5 quick thrusts to the center of the chest.
- Each thrust should be about 1.5 inches deep.
Step 5: Repeat If Necessary
Repeat giving 5 firm back blows and 5 quick chest thrusts until:
- The infant can breathe, cough, or cry.
- The infant becomes unresponsive.
If the infant becomes unresponsive, perform CPR:
Step 1: Shout for help
- If possible, send someone to call 9-1-1 or do it yourself.
Step 2: Place the infant on his back on a firm, flat surface.
Step 3: Give 30 Chest Compressions
- Push down hard and fast in the center of the chest (just below the nipple line) at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Give 30 compressions per set, using two fingers (side-by-side).
- Each compression should be about 1.5 inches deep.
After each compression set and before attempting breaths:
- Open the infant’s mouth.
- Check for visible objects.
- If an object is seen, gently remove it with your pinky.
- Never do a pinky sweep unless the object is visible.
Step 4: Give 2 breaths
- Open the infant’s airway.
- Give 2 quick breaths into the infant’s mouth, each lasting about 1 second.
Step 5: Repeat sets of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until:
- The infant shows signs of life (moves, cries, speaks, blinks, or reacts).
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrive.
If you are alone without a cell phone:
Step 1: Place the infant on a firm, flat surface.
Step 2: Give 5 sets of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
Step 3: Call 9-1-1
- After completing 5 sets, take the infant with you to call 9-1-1.
- Get an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available and use the AED as soon as it arrives.
Step 4: Continue CPR
- Repeat sets of 30 compressions and 2 breaths
- Check the infant’s mouth for objects after each set of compressions.
- Carefully remove any visible objects with your pinky.
- Keep performing CPR until:
- The infant shows signs of life (moves, cries, speaks, blinks, or reacts).
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrive.