What is the correct way to perform back blows on a patient?

Performing back blows on a patient, particularly in cases of choking, requires using the heel of your hand to deliver firm strikes between the shoulder blades, or scapulae. This method is effective because it can help dislodge an object blocking the airway, utilizing the force from the heel of the hand to create a strong impact at the right location.

The positioning of the patient is crucial, and standing behind the patient while providing back blows allows for better control and effectiveness. The goal is to create enough force to initiate a cough reflex, which can help expel the obstructing object. The back blows should be delivered one at a time with a pause in between to allow for any response from the patient's body.

Other options represent approaches that would not be appropriate or effective. For example, striking the lower abdomen is not relevant in the context of back blows, and positioning the patient on their side could interfere with the effectiveness of the back blows. Delivering blows with a fist rather than the hand risks injury and is not the recommended technique for this rescue maneuver.