In pediatric FBAO management, what technique is used for a conscious infant under 1 year?

• A. Abdominal thrusts
• B. Back blows and chest thrusts
• C. Chest compressions
• D. Mouth-to-mouth

Answer: (B)

When a conscious infant under one year is choking, the recommended maneuver is back blows followed by chest thrusts. This sequence uses the infant’s position to help dislodge the object: place the infant face-down along your forearm with the head supported and lower than the torso, deliver five firm back blows between the shoulder blades, then flip the infant over and perform five chest thrusts with two fingers on the lower half of the sternum. Abdominal thrusts are not used in infants because they can cause injury to the abdomen and organs and are not as safe or effective for this age. Chest compressions are reserved for unresponsive infants or those in cardiac arrest, not for a conscious choking infant. Mouth-to-mouth isn’t used for the choking maneuver itself; rescue breaths come into play only if CPR becomes necessary. If the object is not expelled, continue the cycles and seek emergency help.