In a choking infant who is responsive, what is the recommended action sequence?

• A. 5 back blows followed by 5 chest compressions
• B. 5 chest compressions followed by 5 back blows
• C. Alternate between back blows and chest compressions until the object is expelled
• D. Call for help and wait

Answer: (A)

When a choking infant is still responsive, the airway‑clearing sequence uses two parts in a specific order: five back blows to dislodge the object, followed by five chest thrusts to lift it from the airway. You hold the infant face down along your forearm, head lower than the chest, and deliver five firm back blows between the shoulder blades. Then turn the infant over, support the head, and give five chest thrusts with two fingers just below the nipple line. Repeat this cycle until the object is expelled or the infant starts to cough or breathe normally.

This approach targets the obstruction from different angles and avoids jumping straight to CPR, which is reserved for scenarios where the infant is unresponsive or has no detectable breathing. If the infant becomes unresponsive at any point, call for help and begin CPR with compressions and rescue breaths.