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URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/presentations/100221.htm

Choking first aid - infant under 1 year - series—Part 3

Heimlich maneuver on infant

Overview

IF THE INFANT LOSES CONSCIOUSNESS

If the child becomes unresponsive, stops breathing, or turns blue:

  • Shout for help.
  • Give infant CPR. Call 911 after one minute of CPR.
  • Try to remove an object blocking the airway ONLY if you can see it.

DO NOT:

  • DO NOT interfere if the infant is coughing forcefully, has a strong cry, or is breathing adequately. However, be ready to act if the symptoms worsen.
  • DO NOT try to grasp and pull out the object if the infant is conscious.
  • DO NOT perform these steps if the infant stops breathing for other reasons, such as asthma, infection, swelling, or a blow to the head.

Review Date 1/2/2023

Updated by: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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