Final answer:
In the event that a child is choking and cannot make a sound or breathe, immediate steps should be taken to dislodge the object. For an infant, turn them upside down and slap their back. For older children, encourage coughing, use back slaps, and if necessary, perform the Heimlich maneuver.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a child who is choking cannot make a sound or breathe, or has a cough with no sound, you should take immediate action to help dislodge the object. For an infant, you may turn the baby upside down and give a few firm back slaps. For an older child, first encourage them to cough. If that doesn't work, deliver some hard back slaps. Should these measures fail, you should administer the Heimlich maneuver, a technique designed to forcibly eject the obstruction from the airway. If the child is still unable to breathe, it's critical to call for emergency medical care without delay. Choking is a medical emergency caused by the mechanical obstruction of airflow, leading to asphyxia or suffocation. Foods that can adapt their shape, like bananas and marshmallows, are particularly dangerous, as they can shape themselves to the pharynx and cause a blockage. Immediate action is essential to prevent serious consequences, like brain damage or death, due to lack of oxygen.