What is the first step in the Infant Heimlich maneuver?

The first step in the Infant Heimlich maneuver involves placing the baby facedown on your forearm. This position allows gravity to assist in dislodging any obstruction from the infant’s airway while maintaining control over the child’s body. When the baby is held in this manner, the rescuer can effectively use a series of back blows between the shoulder blades to try and dislodge the object causing the airway obstruction.

This method is specifically designed for infants who are unable to expel the blockage on their own and requires careful handling to ensure the baby's safety. Maintaining the baby in this position is crucial, as it maximizes the impact of the intervention while minimizing the risk of injury. The technique is designed for infants who are under one year old, where traditional Heimlich methods for adults or older children would not be safe or effective.