What is the recommended action for a child with a suspected airway obstruction?

For a child with a suspected airway obstruction, administering back blows and chest thrusts is the recommended action. This approach is effective because back blows help to create a forceful impact on the back, which can aid in dislodging the obstruction in the airway, while chest thrusts can further help to expel the object if back blows alone are insufficient. This technique is particularly suitable for children who are over the age of one because it leverages their anatomy and physiology to assist in clearing the airway.

Encouraging the child to cough forcefully is typically a good initial response for conscious individuals with mild obstruction, as it can help to expel the object. However, if the obstruction is severe and the child is unable to breathe, cough, or speak, then the combination of back blows and chest thrusts is the recommended response rather than simply encouraging coughing. Administering oxygen immediately is not appropriate in this scenario because oxygen will not resolve the obstruction; the priority must be to clear the airway. Abdominal thrusts are more suited for adults or larger children, and are less effective for infants and younger children, making them not the best option in this case.