Answer:
Open the infant’s mouth and look for visible obstructions.
Remember: DO NOT PERFORM BLIND FINGER SWEEPS.
Sit down and place the infant face down across the rescuers thigh keeping the head lower than the feet. Support the infant’s lower jaw using the “C” grip. Give up to 5 back blows, check to see if the obstruction is cleared after each blow. Often the first blow will clear the obstruction.
If the obstruction is not cleared, sandwich the infant between your arms then turn the infant over keeping the infant’s head lower than the feet. Give 5 chest thrusts just below the nipple line using 2 fingers. Remember to support the head and neck. Although similar to CPR chest thrusts should be sharper and at a slower rate.
If the obstruction is not cleared call 111.
Continue to deliver 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until either the obstruction is cleared, medical help arrives or the infant becomes unconscious at any time. (we will cover unconscious and choking tomorrow)
It is important that an infant is seen be a doctor following this procedure.
Tomorrow – stay tuned for the next question….
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Currently, there are temporary changes to the steps to be followed in resuscitation. These can be found in the video below or by clicking here to see the New Zealand Resuscitation Council temporary guideline recommendation.
Click the link to go to the New Zealand Resuscitation Council Covid-19 recommended modifications for delivering resuscitation whilst the pandemic remains a threat. Click play to see a short video outlining CPR modifications that should be followed during the pandemic.
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Acknowledgement
Data and information are fact-checked against various recognised sources, including the New Zealand Resuscitation Council, Health Navigator New Zealand, St John, and other recognised entities specialising in the specific subject content. It should be noted that variances in protocols exist and where necessary are identified.