What is the correct response for severe airway obstruction in infants?

The appropriate response for severe airway obstruction in infants is to perform back blows followed by chest thrusts. This technique is specifically recommended for infants because their anatomy and the nature of their airway obstructions differ from those in older children and adults.

By administering back blows, the rescuer delivers firm blows between the infant's shoulder blades using the heel of their hand. This action can help create pressure that may dislodge the object blocking the airway. If back blows alone do not clear the obstruction, the rescuer should follow up with chest thrusts, which involve compressing the chest to generate additional pressure. This combination is effective in managing severe airway obstructions in infants, as it allows for safer and more effective removal of the obstruction due to their smaller size and more delicate physiology.

In contrast, encouraging the infant to cough is not appropriate for severe obstruction as it may not be effective in dislodging an object that is fully blocking their airway. Abdominal thrusts, often used for older children and adults, are not suitable for infants due to the risk of injury and the anatomical differences. Waiting for medical assistance is not advisable in cases of severe obstruction since immediate action is needed to prevent suffocation. Thus, the correct technique for an infant experiencing severe