Final answer:
Kneeling behind a child or a shorter individual may be more effective when performing the Heimlich maneuver in a choking emergency. Encouraging the person to cough and back slaps are initial steps, followed by abdominal thrusts, and in severe cases, medical intervention like intubation may be needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing abdominal thrusts on a child or an individual shorter than you, kneeling rather than standing may be more appropriate. This action is commonly referred to as the Heimlich maneuver, a potentially life-saving technique used to dislodge foreign objects from a person's airway.
In the event of a choking incident, the obstruction typically happens in the pharynx or trachea, with children being particularly at risk due to behaviors such as placing small objects in their mouths. Initial steps include encouraging the person to cough and delivering a few firm back slaps to attempt to dislodge the object. If these measures fail, performing the Heimlich maneuver is advised. For infants, the approach differs as they should be turned upside down and gently patted on the back to dislodge any obstructing item.
If the Heimlich maneuver does not resolve the choking, it is crucial to seek emergency medical care immediately. In more severe cases, especially with unconscious patients or during medical procedures like surgeries, airway management might require advanced procedures such as intubation to provide a clear passage to the lungs.