Back blows are a first-aid technique used to help clear an airway obstruction in a conscious person who is choking. The general guidance across reputable sources is to deliver five sharp back blows between the shoulder blades, then reassess. If the object does not come out and the person remains conscious, follow with abdominal thrusts for adults and older children, or chest/alternative maneuvers for infants as appropriate. Direct guidance by situation:

• Adults and children over 1 year who are conscious and choking:
  • Stand or kneel behind the person and bend them forward at the waist.
  • Use the heel of your hand to deliver up to five firm back blows between the shoulder blades.
  • After each blow, check whether the airway is relieved.
  • If the object does not come out, perform abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) with proper technique, continuing the sequence as advised by reputable first-aid guidelines.
• Infants under 1 year:
  • Lay the infant face down along your forearm, supporting the head.
  • Deliver up to five back blows with the heel of your hand between the shoulder blades.
  • If unsuccessful, switch to chest thrusts (two fingers in the center of the chest just below the nipple line) and repeat as directed.
• If the person becomes unresponsive at any point, begin CPR and call for emergency help.

Important notes:

• Do not perform back blows or abdominal thrusts on someone who is not choking or on a person who is unable to cooperate (e.g., unconscious, severely injured).
• If you are unsure about technique or the person’s condition, call emergency services immediately for professional guidance.

If you’d like, I can tailor these steps to a specific age group or scenario and provide quick, step-by-step instructions for that case.