What is the purpose of providing back blows for an infant with an obstructed airway?

The primary purpose of providing back blows for an infant with an obstructed airway is to dislodge an object that may be blocking the airway. When an infant is unable to breathe due to an obstruction, back blows can deliver forceful pressure to the back, which may help to create a change in pressure that can dislodge the object preventing airflow. This technique is part of a sequence of interventions that can be used to relieve airway obstruction in children.

While some might think encouraging crying could be beneficial, the immediate need in a choking situation is to restore airflow, not to stimulate crying, which might not happen if the infant's airway is completely obstructed. Providing oxygen is essential in situations where an airway is clear but the infant is struggling to breathe; however, in this scenario, the focus is on clearing the obstruction, not on oxygen delivery. Calming the infant is important in many situations, but during a choking incident, the priority is addressing the airway obstruction to ensure the infant can breathe effectively. Therefore, dislodging the object is the crucial action required in this emergency situation.