Conscious person
If the person is conscious send for an ambulance and perform up to five sharp, back blows
with the heel of one hand in the middle of the back between the shoulder blades. Check to see
if each back blow has relieved the airway obstruction. The aim is to relieve the obstruction
with each blow rather than to give all five blows. An infant may be placed in a head
downwards position prior to delivering back blows, i.e. across the rescuer’s lap [Class B; LOE
IV].1,2
If back blows are unsuccessful the rescuer should perform up to five chest thrusts. To
perform chest thrusts, identify the same compression point as for CPR and give up to five
chest thrusts. These are similar to chest compressions but sharper and delivered at a slower
rate. The infant should be placed in a head downwards and on their back across the rescuer’s
thigh, while children and adults may be treated in the sitting or standing position [Class B;
LOE IV].1,
according to the australian resuscitation council