What is the main purpose of providing back blows to an infant with an obstructed airway?

The main purpose of providing back blows to an infant with an obstructed airway is to help expel the foreign object causing the blockage. When an infant is choking, the goal is to generate sufficient force to dislodge the obstruction from the airway. Back blows are administered between the infant's shoulder blades while the infant is positioned face down on the caregiver's forearm. This technique utilizes gravity and the force of the blows to create pressure in the airway and increase the likelihood of the foreign object being expelled.

The other options, while they may be aspects of a comprehensive response to choking, do not address the immediate and critical need to clear the airway obstruction. The focus during an emergency situation is on physically relieving the obstruction rather than calming the infant, assessing responsiveness, or contacting emergency services first. Immediate action to dislodge the obstruction is essential in preventing further harm.