Choking in a child is a medical emergency that requires immediate action. It is vital to know what to do in order to help the child before medical assistance arrives.
When does choking happen?
Choking occurs when a foreign object (e.g., food, toy) blocks the airway. It can be:
- Partial obstruction: The child is coughing or making sounds.
- Complete obstruction: The child cannot speak, breathe, or cough.
Signs of choking:
- The child can't speak or cough.
- They make hand gestures towards their throat (universal sign of choking).
- Skin turns blue or very pale.
- They lose consciousness (in severe cases).
What to do:
If the child is over 1 year old:
Encourage coughing:
- If they can cough, ask them to continue. Coughing is the body’s natural way to expel the object.
If the airway is completely blocked:
- Give 5 back blows:
- Lean the child forward.
- Using the palm of your hand, give 5 firm blows between the shoulder blades.
- Perform 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver):
- Stand behind the child.
- Place one hand in a fist above the child’s navel.
- Grasp your fist with your other hand and perform quick, upward thrusts.
- Repeat: 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts alternately.
If the child is an infant (under 1 year old):
- Position the infant face down:
- Lay the baby face down on your forearm, supporting the head and neck.
- Give 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades.
- If that doesn't help:
- Turn the baby face up.
- Place two fingers on the center of the chest, just below the nipple line.
- Give 5 downward chest thrusts.
Caution:
Do not put your finger in the child’s mouth to remove the object unless you can
clearly see it, as this could push it deeper.
Call for emergency help if:
- The child is not breathing.
- The child loses consciousness.
If the child becomes unconscious:
- Begin CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until help arrives.
Preventing Choking:
- Cut food into small pieces.
- Avoid high-risk foods like nuts, grapes, and candies.
- Don't leave small toys or objects out of children's reach.
- Ensure children eat while sitting down and calmly.
Proper knowledge and quick action can save a child’s life in a choking emergency.