If a child is conscious but choking, what should you do?

In cases where a child is conscious but choking, administering back blows followed by abdominal thrusts is an effective technique. This method combines two approaches that work together to dislodge the obstruction. Back blows help to create forceful bursts of air that can help push the object out of the airway, while abdominal thrusts (often referred to as the Heimlich maneuver) use abdominal compression to create a high-pressure air burst that can expel the object.

Encouraging the child to cough forcefully, which is an option, can also be beneficial as coughing is the body’s natural mechanism to clear the airway. However, if the situation is serious and the child shows signs that coughing is not effective, back blows combined with abdominal thrusts provide a more comprehensive approach to clearing a blockage.

Simply performing back blows or only abdominal thrusts without using both methods may not ensure optimal success in dislodging the obstruction, which is why the combination is preferred in this particular situation.