Choking backblows

A foreign body airway obstruction (choking) is a life-threatening emergency following the lodgement
of a foreign object in the casualty’s airway. In some instances, the object lodges at the epiglottis, the entry to the airway, but does not actually enter the airway itself. Both situations cause initial coughing, which is the body’s reflex action to dislodge the object.

Conscious Casualty (Adult and children over 1yr of age)

Position yourself to give back blows
1. Stand or sit with infant face down over your forearm supporting the infants head by holding the cheekbones between thumb and middle finger. Ensure infant’s jaw is relaxed so object can escape the mouth. Place your arm, with infant, over your thigh, head down at approx. 45 degrees, then give a firm, sharp blow between the shoulder blades using the heal of your hand. Ensure your fingers are raised, so as not to accidentally hit the back of the infant’s head.
2. Repeat this up to 5 times, pausing between each blow to check if airway is cleared.
3. If back blows are unsuccessful, deliver up to 5 chest thrusts. The infant should be placed on their back across the rescuer’s thigh
4. Check airway after each chest thrust
5. Repeat cycles of back blows and chest thrusts if obstruction not relieved

Two of our most popular courses include first aid treatment for choking:

#shorts #choking #backblows #heimlich #firstaidtips #firstaider #firstaid #firstaidcourses