Final answer:
Assist a choking child, encourage them to cough, deliver firm back slaps, and if needed, perform the Heimlich maneuver, acting quickly to avoid oxygen deprivation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you encounter a child choking in a restaurant, after obtaining consent and ensuring someone has called for advanced medical personnel, you should first encourage the child to cough. If the coughing does not dislodge the object from the child's throat, you should perform a few firm back slaps between the shoulder blades. If these initial steps are unsuccessful, you then need to perform the Heimlich maneuver as a next step. The Heimlich maneuver involves standing behind the person, making a fist with one hand, placing the thumb side of your fist above the person's navel and below the ribcage, grasping your fist with your other hand, and delivering quick inward and upward thrusts.
It is important to recognize the signs of choking which include the inability to speak or breathe, labored breathing, and clutching at the throat. If a person's face starts turning blue from a lack of oxygen, this is a sign that they are not getting enough air, and immediate action is required. In young children, choking can occur from objects like small toys or certain foods that can adapt their shape to that of the pharynx such as bananas and marshmallows.
In summary, first encourage the child to cough, then give back slaps, and if necessary, perform the Heimlich maneuver. Remember, it's important to act quickly, as severe choking can lead to unconsciousness in a matter of minutes due to oxygen deprivation.