What can back blows help achieve when assisting someone who is choking?

Back blows can help create enough pressure to expel the obstruction lodged in the airway of someone who is choking. When delivering back blows, a series of firm strikes are applied between the shoulder blades, which can increase the pressure in the thoracic cavity and may help dislodge the object blocking the airway. This technique utilizes the force of the blows to encourage expulsion of the obstruction through a sudden surge of air and pressure, aiding in clearing the airway and restoring normal breathing.

While back blows can be effective, they do not guarantee the dislodging of the object, and their purpose is not to move the obstruction towards the throat but rather to forcefully push it out of the airway. Additionally, back blows should complement, not replace, abdominal thrusts, which are another critical technique used in choking emergencies.