What should you do if a child is choking and cannot breathe?

Performing abdominal thrusts is the appropriate action when a child is choking and cannot breathe. This maneuver involves using quick, inward and upward thrusts to create pressure in the abdomen, which can help expel the object blocking the airway. It is a critical response designed to remove a large object that is obstructing breathing, facilitating the restoration of normal airflow.

Administering water or any other liquids is not advised, as it could potentially worsen the choking by causing an obstruction. Leaving a choking child alone can lead to a life-threatening situation, as they will continue to be unable to breathe. Providing a back rub is not effective and could also exacerbate the emergency by dislodging the obstruction inappropriately or causing further distress. Hence, abdominal thrusts are the appropriate and life-saving technique to employ in this scenario.