If a baby is choking, immediately perform a combination of back blows and chest thrusts to dislodge the obstruction.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to help a choking infant:
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Assess the Situation: Determine if the baby is truly choking. Signs include:
- Inability to cry, cough, or breathe.
- Bluish skin color (cyanosis).
- Weak or absent cough.
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Position the Infant:
- Hold the infant face down along your forearm, supporting their jaw and chest with your hand. Use your thigh for support. Ensure the head is lower than the chest.
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Deliver Back Blows:
- Using the heel of your other hand, give 5 firm back blows between the infant's shoulder blades.
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Chest Thrusts:
- Turn the infant face up, supporting their head and neck.
- Place two fingers in the center of the infant's chest, just below the nipple line.
- Give 5 quick downward chest thrusts, compressing the chest about 1.5 inches.
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Repeat if Necessary: Continue alternating between 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is dislodged, or the infant becomes unresponsive.
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If the Infant Becomes Unresponsive:
- Call emergency services (911 in the US) immediately.
- Begin infant CPR. (If you are trained in CPR). Follow the dispatcher's instructions.
- If you are unsure on CPR, a dispatcher should be able to guide you.
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Seek Medical Attention: Even if you successfully dislodge the object, it's crucial to have the infant examined by a doctor to rule out any potential complications.
Important Considerations:
- Prevention is Key: Keep small objects, toys, and food out of reach of infants. Cut food into very small pieces.
- Training: Consider taking an infant CPR and choking course to learn proper techniques and gain confidence. The Red Cross offers such courses.
- Stay Calm: While it's a frightening situation, staying calm allows you to think clearly and act effectively.
In summary, responding to a choking infant requires quick action using a combination of back blows and chest thrusts, followed by seeking medical attention. Prevention through careful monitoring and eliminating potential hazards is also crucial.
