What is the recommended emergency care for a responsive 7-year-old child with a foreign-body airway obstruction?

The recommended emergency care for a responsive 7-year-old child experiencing a foreign-body airway obstruction involves standing behind the child and performing sub-diaphragmatic thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver. This approach is appropriate for children aged 1 to 8 years, as it is effective in generating enough pressure to expel the obstruction from the airway without causing injury.

When performing this maneuver, it is crucial to ensure that the child is standing or sitting upright, as this position helps facilitate the upward thrust of air and increases the chances of dislodging the foreign body. It is also vital to provide clear support and reassurance to the child throughout the process to alleviate fear and anxiety during the emergency.

The other methods listed, such as back blows, can be effective for younger children or infants, but they are typically used in conjunction with or as an alternative to abdominal thrusts depending on the age of the child. Placing the child supine is not advisable during an active obstruction, as it may compromise the airway further and hinder the ability to effectively remove the obstruction.