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Infant choking — DIPIMC MCQ

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A 9-month-old infant has been choking on a piece of food and is now limp with an ineffective cough but is still conscious. What is the most appropriate immediate technique to relieve the obstruction?

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Correct answer: A — Five back blows followed by five chest thrusts, repeating as needed

In an infant with severe airway obstruction and an ineffective cough, the technique is five back blows followed by five chest thrusts, repeated in cycles, because abdominal thrusts risk intra-abdominal injury in this age group. Blind finger sweeps may impact the object further and are not advised. The adult abdominal-thrust manoeuvre is contraindicated in infants. Pearl: support the infant head-down along the forearm to use gravity during back blows.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines 2025 (Paediatric Life Support); Resuscitation Council UK (Guidance: Choking)