What should you do if an infant does not respond after 5 chest thrusts?

In the scenario where an infant does not respond after five chest thrusts, it is crucial to continue administering chest thrusts until there is a response. Chest thrusts are a vital step in the protocol for helping an infant who is experiencing severe choking or respiratory distress. The goal is to dislodge any object blocking the airway, and sometimes it may take several thrusts to achieve a successful outcome.

Continuing with chest thrusts is important because the airway can be effectively cleared with enough force and the correct technique. The priority in emergencies involving infants is to ensure that they are breathing adequately, and chest thrusts specifically aim to create enough pressure in the chest to expel any blockage.

Other actions such as repositioning the infant's head may not provide the immediate relief needed in a choking situation, and checking for a heartbeat or continuing back slaps could divert attention from the necessary focused effort to open the airway. Therefore, maintaining consistent chest thrusts until a response is observed remains the correct approach in this emergency intervention.