What is the purpose of back blows when assisting a choking individual?

The purpose of back blows when assisting a choking individual is to create pressure to expel the obstruction. This technique, which involves delivering firm blows between the shoulder blades, is designed to generate sufficient force in the airway to dislodge the object that is blocking breathing. When the back blows are effective, they can help to dislodge the foreign body, allowing the individual to breathe again.

Back blows are part of the choking rescue procedure which typically involves a combination of techniques, including abdominal thrusts. When executed properly, the pressure created from these blows can help mobilize the obstruction due to the sudden and forceful movement that occurs in the body during this action.

Other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of back blows. Checking for responsiveness is a separate assessment to determine the individual’s condition. Forcing air into the lungs is not the function of back blows; that action would be related to rescue breaths, and signaling for help is a vital step but is not the direct purpose of delivering back blows.