What immediate management should be initiated for a child with a suspected choking incident?

Initiating the Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, for children over the age of one is the appropriate immediate management for a suspected choking incident. This technique is designed to create pressure in the abdomen to expel a foreign object blocking the airway.

When a child is choking, their airway may be obstructed, which can quickly lead to a lack of oxygen and serious complications. The Heimlich maneuver effectively dislodges the object from the child’s airway, reducing the risk of permanent damage or death due to asphyxiation.

It's important to note that while techniques vary for infants under one year, the Heimlich maneuver is recognized for its efficacy in older children who are able to handle brief episodes of moderate pressure. Other interventions, like administering water or waiting for emergency services, may delay critical action and worsen the situation, thereby delaying removal of the obstruction. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is not appropriate in the case of choking unless the child is unresponsive and cannot be revived with the Heimlich maneuver or other methods first.