Final answer:
To aid a conscious choking infant, turn them upside down and perform five firm back slaps between their shoulder blades. If unsuccessful, give chest thrusts. Call for emergency help if the infant becomes unconscious and start CPR if trained.
Step-by-step explanation:
Appropriate Care for a Choking Infant
If you encounter an infant who is severely choking, it is critical to take immediate and correct action to dislodge the object blocking the airway. For a conscious infant, the recommended first step is to turn the baby upside down and deliver five firm back slaps between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. If this does not work, the next step is to give chest thrusts. Sit down and hold the infant facedown on your forearm, which is rested on your thigh. Support the infant's head and jaw with your hand, and give five quick, forceful blows to the middle of the back using the heel of your other hand.
If these interventions do not clear the airway, and the infant remains conscious, repeat the back slaps and chest thrusts. If the infant becomes unconscious, call for emergency help immediately and start CPR if you are trained to do so. It is imperative not to attempt the Heimlich maneuver on infants as it may cause injury due to their fragile bodies.
Recognizing the signs of choking is also important. A choking person may not be able to speak or cry out, may have labored breathing, and may clutch at their throat or mouth. In infants, you may observe struggling or an inability to cry or cough loudly. If an infant's face begins to turn blue, it indicates a severe lack of oxygen, and you must act fast to restore breathing to prevent unconsciousness or worse.
It is advisable to learn the proper techniques for aiding a choking infant, including CPR, by taking a certified first-aid course. Watching instructional videos online and familiarizing yourself with emergency procedures can save lives. Prompt action can prevent serious injury or death from choking.