glossary-back-blows
Back Blows
Definition: Firm, controlled strikes between the shoulder blades used to help dislodge an object blocking a child's airway. Back blows are the first step in responding to a choking infant under 1 year old, paired with chest thrusts.
Parent Tip: The biggest mistake I see parents make is being too gentle. A back blow is not a pat — it's a firm strike with the heel of your hand between the shoulder blades. Practice the position once on a stuffed animal: baby face-down along your forearm, head supported lower than the chest. Muscle memory matters more than memorizing steps in the real moment.
Why It Matters: An infant's airway is the diameter of a drinking straw. A partial obstruction can become complete in seconds, which is why correct technique, not gentle taps saves lives. Back blows use gravity and force together to expel an object the way a cough would.
Related Terms: Choking, Heimlich Maneuver, CPR, Airway, LifeVac
Written and reviewed by Jeremy Manke, Firefighter / Paramedic (22 years of emergency service)