If an infant is choking and unconscious you are alone what should do first?
If an infant is choking and unconscious and you are alone, you should take immediate action to dislodge the object and revive the infant. Here's what you should do:
1. Call for Help:
- If possible, call 911 or emergency services immediately. If someone else is nearby, ask them to help or call for help.
2. Back Blows:
- Place the infant face down on your forearm with their head lower than their body. Support the infant's head and neck with your hand.
- Deliver five forceful back blows between the baby's shoulder blades, using the heel of your hand.
3. Chest Thrusts:
- Turn the infant face up, support their head and neck with your hand, and place two fingers on the center of the infant's chest, just below the nipples.
- Deliver five quick chest thrusts downward, about 1/3 to 1/2 inch deep, allowing the chest to recoil between each thrust.
4. Alternate Between Back Blows and Chest Thrusts:
- Repeat the sequence of five back blows and five chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the infant starts breathing or coughing.
5. Check the Airway:
- After delivering a series of back blows and chest thrusts, check the infant's mouth for the foreign object. If you see it, try to remove it using your finger. Be gentle to avoid pushing it further down.
6. Continue CPR:
- If the object is not dislodged and the infant remains unresponsive, start performing infant CPR. Give two rescue breaths and continue alternating between 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until the infant starts breathing or help arrives.
Remember that acting quickly and correctly is crucial in these situations. If you are uncertain or uncomfortable performing these procedures, follow the guidance provided over the phone by emergency services personnel until help arrives.