When you realize your child is choking, the moments following are probably the scariest moments of your parental life.
Unfortunately, choking is the leading cause of death for those children younger than age four and is the number one cause of accidental death in babies within their first year.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recorded 17, 000 children in emergency rooms because of choking in 2001. “For every childhood death as a result of choking, there are more than 100 non-fatal choking accidents.” (1)
Causes of Choking
Infants and toddlers appear to pre-programmed to put everything in their mouths. It is part of how they explore their worlds.
But choking can also happen with food chunks that are too large, or the child hasn’t completely mastered the art of chewing things up enough yet. “More than 50% of choking accidents occur with food.” (1)
Foods with strings such as celery, oranges, grapefruit or uncrispy bacon, skins that are difficult to chew like apples or hot dogs, and foods cut into chunks that are too big like melons, grapes or hot dogs, are prime candidates.
Other common foods associated with choking include:
• Hard candy
• Nuts
• Meat
• Cookies/biscuits
• Carrots
• Popcorn
• Peanut butter
Other choking hazards include:
• Rubber balloons
• Small toys
• Pen caps
• Push pins
• Coins
• Marbles
• Beads
• Disc batteries
• Magnets
• Small balls
Symptoms of Choking and First Aid Steps adapted from this babycenter article.
Note, this is only a very brief guide, it is best to contact your local Red Cross and sign up for a course in life support.
Choking First Aid Step 1:
Signs or symptoms of choking include:
• Sudden inability to breathe, talk, cry or cough (total blockage)
• Coughing or gagging indicates a partial blockage
• Inability to cough up the object
• Face starts to turn red or blue
Choking First Aid Step 2:
Coughing is the most effective and natural way for your child to dislodge an object on her own. Do NOT intervene if your child is coughing.
Only if your child is unable to cough do you move to step 3. If someone else is present, ask then to call 911.
“If you’re alone with the child, give two minutes of care, then call 911.” (2)
Choking First Aid Step 3:
Back blows -- If your child is conscious but unable to cough, then they may be unable to clear their airway on their own. Whacking someone on the back between the shoulder blades is commonly used on adults. Back blows are the next technique for children and infants as well.
Choking First Aid Step 4:
Turn baby/toddler upside down -- Support an infant with your forearm. Older toddlers and children can be supported by your thigh. Turn the child’s face down so her head is towards the ground (upside down) and whomp the heel of your hand between the shoulder blades.
"Deliver five firm and distinct back blows between the baby's shoulder blades to try to dislodge the object". Maintain support of the child's head and neck by firmly holding his jaw between your thumb and forefinger. (2)
This may dislodge the object they are choking on.
Choking First Aid Step 5:
Chest thrusts – If five back blows don’t work, turn the baby/child to face you, still upside down. Place two fingers in the middle of her chest and give five upward thrusts.
Alternate with back blows until the object is visible and falls out (if child is face down) or is in a place where you can remove it with your baby finger (if child is face up).
Choking First Aid Step 6:
Abdominal thrusts (variation of Heimlich maneuver) -- If your child is older than 12 months, you can stand or kneel behind them and wrap your arms around the waist instead of doing chest thrusts.
Locate the belly button, then place a fist just above the navel and well below the lower tip the breastbone. Grab your fist with your other hand and give five quick, upward thrusts into the abdomen. Each thrust needs to be separate and distinct to dislodge the object. (3)
Continue alternating between abdominal thrusts and back blows until the object comes loose or up enough for the child to cough it up.
If the child becomes unconscious, then they will need CPR. Proper CPR techniques, particularly for young children and infants, can only be learned in a class.
Knowing how to use infant/toddler CPR can save your child's life.
Sources:
1. “How to Prevent Choking” Dana, Lisa. BabyCenter.com. Web. May 9, 2012.
http://blogs.babycenter.com/mom_stories/08112011how-to-prevent-choking
2. Infant first aid for choking and CPR: An illustrated guide. BabyCenter.com. Web. May 9, 2012.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_infant-first-aid-for-choking-and-cpr-an-illu...
3. First aid for choking and CPR: An illustrated guide for children 12 months and older. Babycenter.com. Web. May 9, 2012.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_first-aid-for-choking-and-cpr-an-illustrated...
Reviewed August 24, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith