Below is an extract from the ARC guidelines:
https://www.anzcor.org/home/basic-life-support/guideline-4-airway
Management for Ineffective Cough (severe airway obstruction) Conscious person
If the person is conscious send for an ambulance and perform up to five sharp, back blows with the hand in the middle of the back between the shoulder blades. Check to see if each back blow has relieved the airway obstruction. The aim is to relieve the obstruction with each blow rather than to give all five blows. An infant may be placed in a head downwards position prior to delivering back blows, i.e. across the rescuer’s lap.1,2 [Good practice statement]
If back blows are unsuccessful the rescuer should perform up to five chest thrusts. To perform chest thrusts, identify the same compression point as for CPR and give up to five chest thrusts. These are similar to chest compressions but sharper and delivered at a slower rate. The infant should be placed in a head downwards and on their back across the rescuer’s thigh, while children and adults may be treated in the sitting or standing position.1,2 [Good practice statement]
With each chest thrust, check to see whether the airway obstruction has been relieved. The aim is to relieve the obstruction rather than deliver all five chest thrusts. If the obstruction is still not relieved and the person remains responsive, continue alternating five back blows with five chest thrusts.
The ARC guidelines are meant to be a guide. We have spoken to the team from ARC in the past and they have always reminded us to not take the guidelines so literally. Best practice needs to be considered, along with common sense. Regarding the technique of a chest thrust on an infant, a person could use 2 fingers or one hand depending on the size of the infant.
Another good resource can be found below:
First Aid for a Choking BabyA Complete Guide (cprkids.com.au)
Sarah Hunstead from CPR kids is a paediatric emergency care nurse who we regularly use for professional development. An extract from the above resource says:
‘Turn your baby over onto their back, keeping them laying down along your lap, head lower than their bottom. Using 2 fingers in a young baby or the heel of your hand in an older baby or toddler, give up to 5 short, sharp chest thrusts on their breastbone (NOT on their tummy). Once again, check in between each thrust, and no need to continue if the object comes out!
Hopefully the above brings some clarity regarding the first aid treatment for choking in an infant. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out!