During CPR for an infant, how many back blows should you deliver?

In the context of infant CPR, delivering back blows is a critical step for infants who are choking and unable to breathe. The recommended number of back blows is five. This technique is applied by positioning the infant face down on your forearm, supporting the head, and delivering firm back blows between the infant's shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.

The rationale for administering five back blows is based on the need to create enough force to dislodge an obstruction from the airway while minimizing the risk of causing harm to the infant. The goal is to effectively perform a series of controlled blows that can help expel the obstruction without causing injury. Providing too few blows may be ineffective, while excessive blows could lead to unnecessary risks or trauma.

It's important to note that after administering these back blows, if the airway obstruction persists, you would then transition to chest thrusts to continue aiding the infant in expelling the object. This systematic approach aligns with best practices in emergency care for infants and ensures that each technique complements the next to provide the best chance for successful airway clearance.