When a six month old child starts choking but is conscious, what action should the paramedics take?

Performing 5 back blows is the appropriate action when a six-month-old child is choking and conscious. This method helps to generate sufficient force to dislodge an obstruction from the airway safely. In infants, the back blow technique is preferred because the anatomy of their airway is different from that of older children or adults, and back blows can effectively utilize gravity to clear the obstruction.

Back blows involves positioning the infant face down on your forearm, supporting the head, and delivering firm blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand. This technique is recommended by pediatric protocols for cases of choking in babies, as it prioritizes safety and effectiveness.

While other actions, such as abdominal thrusts or finger sweeps, are common responses to choking in older children or adults, they are not suitable for infants. Abdominal thrusts are not recommended for this age group due to the risk of injury and the ineffectiveness compared to back blows. A finger sweep should not be performed unless the object is clearly visible in the infant's mouth, as it risks pushing the object further down the airway. Starting CPR immediately is also inappropriate in this scenario since the child is still conscious and responsive, indicating that further immediate measures can be taken to address the choking