Final answer:
To manage a choking infant, turn them upside down and administer back slaps, and for an older person, encourage coughing or use back slaps, and if necessary, perform the Heimlich maneuver. Recognizing the signs of choking can save lives, and immediate emergency assistance should be sought if initial efforts fail.
Step-by-step explanation:
When witnessing a < 1 year old infant showing signs of choking, the appropriate management involves a specific sequence of actions designed for infants. First, you should try to turn the baby upside down and give them a few firm back slaps in an attempt to dislodge the object causing the blockage. In the case of an older person choking, encourage them to cough because coughing can help remove the obstruction on its own. If coughing is not effective, then proceed to give a few hard back slaps. If these interventions fail, the Heimlich maneuver may be necessary to try to force the object out of the airway.
Recognizing a choking infant or adult is crucial for timely intervention. The signs include inability to speak, cry out, labored breathing, gasping, or wheezing. A person choking may clutch their throat or mouth, and if not aided promptly, their skin may start turning blue due to oxygen deprivation leading to potential unconsciousness. In such emergency scenarios, if all your initial efforts fail, it is imperative to call for emergency medical help without delay.