What is the purpose of back blows during choking relief for infants?

Back blows during choking relief for infants serve the critical purpose of creating a force to dislodge an object that is blocking the airway. When an infant is choking, the airway can become obstructed by food or other objects, preventing normal breathing. Administering back blows involves positioning the infant face down on your forearm or thigh and delivering firm strikes between the shoulder blades.

This technique exploits the principle of using a rapid, controlled force to generate sufficient pressure within the airway to help dislodge the obstruction. It is a crucial aspect of the choking relief protocol for infants, especially since infants have smaller airways and different anatomical considerations compared to older children and adults. The aim is not simply to comfort the infant or check responsiveness, but to initiate a physical response that can restore airflow and breathing quickly.