How many back slaps should be given to an infant during a choking incident?

During a choking incident in an infant, the standard procedure includes administering five back slaps. This technique is part of the recommended first aid measures for infants who are unable to breathe due to a foreign object blocking their airway.

The rationale behind giving five back slaps is rooted in the need to generate sufficient force to dislodge the obstruction without causing harm to the infant. This number (five) is well-established in guidelines and training, aiming to strike a balance between effectiveness and safety.

By performing back slaps in this manner, rescuers can create the necessary pressure to help expel the object safely. If five back slaps do not resolve the choking, they can be followed by a series of chest thrusts to further assist in removing the blockage. It's important to perform these techniques in the correct order and quantity to provide the best chance of recovery for the infant.