What is the appropriate intervention for an infant who is choking and unable to cough?

For an infant who is choking and unable to cough, the appropriate intervention is a combination of back slaps and chest thrusts. This technique is specifically designed for infants because they are at a higher risk of airway obstruction due to their anatomy and smaller size.

Back slaps involve placing the infant face down on the forearm, supporting the head, and delivering up to five firm blows between the shoulder blades to help dislodge the obstruction. If the obstruction persists, chest thrusts are used while the infant is still in a face-up position, applying firm pressure to the chest just below the nipple line to help remove the object blocking the airway. This method is safer and more effective than other interventions for infants, as it minimizes the risk of causing further injury.

In contrast, finger sweeps, abdominal thrusts, and Magill forceps are not appropriate for infants and can increase the risk of injury or complicate the airway obstruction situation. Finger sweeps require visibility of the object and can push it deeper into the airway. Abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) are meant for older children and adults, and they are not recommended for infants due to the risk of internal injuries. Magill forceps are used in specific medical situations and