Final answer:
To help a choking child, deliver five firm back blows between the shoulder blades. If unsuccessful, perform the Heimlich maneuver, and if choking persists, call for emergency medical aid immediately. It's important to be aware of choking hazards for children.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a child is choking, it's essential to act quickly and efficiently to dislodge the obstructing object. For an infant, hold the baby face down on your forearm and deliver five firm back blows between the baby’s shoulder blades using the heel of your hand. For a child older than one year, give five sharp back blows between the child's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand while the child is leaning forward. These back blows aim to create a strong vibration and pressure in the airway, which is sometimes enough to dislodge the blockage. If this is unsuccessful, you can proceed to perform the Heimlich maneuver, taking care not to apply too much force to avoid causing injury to the child.
If you are uncertain about how to properly perform these life-saving techniques, it is advisable to learn them through a first aid course or by watching instructional videos from reputable sources. Remember, if the situation doesn't resolve quickly, you need to call for emergency medical care immediately. It is also important to be mindful of the objects and foods that pose a choking hazard to young children, and to keep such items out of their reach.