Sharon has 21+ years of experience as a qualified Emergency Care Nurse registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) and 12+ years as a First Aid Trainer.
She takes pride in FirstAidPro making first aid training available, comprehensive and affordable to everybody.
- Why You Should Clean Wounds, Cuts and Scrapes Properly - 18/02/2025
- 5 Tips to Stop Bleeding From Minor Cuts - 17/02/2025
- Why Immediate Heart Attack Response Is Crucial - 13/02/2025
When it comes to child safety, being prepared for child choking incidents is essential. You never know when you might need to act quickly to save a young life.
While we all hope we’ll never face such a situation, knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference. From recognising the signs of choking to performing life-saving techniques, there are five key tips every caregiver should know.
These simple yet effective methods could mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy. So, what are these critical steps, and how can you be ready to use them at a moment’s notice?
Key Takeaways
• Quickly recognise signs of choking incidents: difficulty breathing, clutching throat, panic, bluish skin, or inability to speak.
• Perform five firm back blows between shoulder blades, adjusting technique for infants and older children.
• Execute abdominal thrusts by positioning behind the child and pulling inward and upward above the navel.
• Alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts until the obstruction is cleared or help arrives.
• Call emergency services immediately while administering first aid, providing clear information about the situation and location.
Recognise Choking Incidents
To effectively respond to child choking incidents, you must first identify the signs of choking accurately and swiftly. Recognising these signs is vital for timely intervention and successful first aid.
A choking child may display several visible indicators, including difficulty breathing, gasping, or wheezing. They might clutch their throat with one or both hands, which is a universal sign of choking. Look for a panicked or fearful expression, and be alert for any sudden inability to speak or cry.
In severe cases, you’ll notice the child’s skin, lips, or nail beds turning blue due to lack of oxygen. They may also have a weak, ineffective cough or make high-pitched noises while trying to breathe. If the airway is completely blocked, the child won’t be able to produce any sound at all. Be aware that a choking child might quickly lose consciousness if prompt action isn’t taken.
As part of choking prevention, it’s important to familiarise yourself with these signs before an emergency occurs. By knowing what to look for, you’ll be better prepared to act decisively and potentially save a child’s life during a choking incident.
Perform Back Blows
Once you’ve identified a child is choking, you’ll need to immediately start performing back blows as the first step in dislodging the obstruction.
The back blow technique is most effective when executed with proper positioning. For infants under one year, place the child face-down along your forearm, supporting their head with your hand. For older children, bend them forward at the waist.
Using the heel of your hand, deliver five quick, forceful blows between the child’s shoulder blades. Each blow should be separate and distinct, aiming to create a sharp force to dislodge the object. Confirm your strikes are firm but not so forceful as to cause injury.
If the object isn’t expelled after five back blows, you’ll need to alternate with abdominal thrusts or chest thrusts, depending on the child’s age. Remember, speed is essential, but maintaining proper technique is equally important.
If the child becomes unconscious at any point, immediately begin CPR and call emergency services. Continually reassess the situation and adjust your actions accordingly until professional help arrives or the obstruction is cleared.
Execute Abdominal Thrusts
Abdominal thrusts are a vital next step if back blows fail to dislodge the obstruction in a choking child over one year old.
To execute this life-saving technique, you’ll need to understand basic abdominal anatomy and proper thrust techniques.
Position yourself behind the child, wrapping your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand and place it just above the child’s navel, thumb side against the abdomen. Grasp your fist with your other hand. Quickly pull inward and upward, aiming to compress the abdomen and force air from the lungs to expel the object.
Perform these thrusts in quick succession, using controlled but firm force. The goal is to create a sudden burst of air, simulating an artificial cough. Continue alternating between five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or the child becomes unconscious.
It’s essential to adjust your technique based on the child’s size. For smaller children, you may need to kneel behind them to achieve the correct angle for effective thrusts.
Always seek immediate medical attention after a choking incident, even if you successfully clear the airway.
Alternate Between Techniques
In critical choking situations, you’ll need to alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts to maximise the chances of dislodging the obstruction. This alternation is an essential first aid technique when dealing with a choking child. Begin with five back blows, followed by five abdominal thrusts. Continue this cycle until the object is expelled or the child becomes unconscious.
While performing these life-saving maneuvers, remain vigilant for signs of improvement or deterioration. If the child coughs forcefully, encourage them to continue coughing as this may naturally clear the airway. However, if coughing becomes weak or the child’s condition worsens, immediately resume the alternating technique.
As you alternate between techniques, remember these emotionally charged points:
- Every second counts in saving a child’s life
- Your quick action can prevent devastating outcomes
- Mastering these skills empowers you to protect children
Prevention strategies are equally important in reducing choking incidents. Always supervise children during meals, cut food into appropriate sizes, and teach proper chewing habits.
Call Emergency Services
Emergency services should be contacted immediately when a child is choking, even if you’ve begun performing first aid techniques. While you or another adult continues to administer aid, designate someone to call 000 or your local emergency number. If you’re alone, perform first aid for one minute before making the call yourself, then return to the child.
When contacting emergency services, remain calm and provide clear information. State that a child is choking, give your exact location, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. They may guide you through additional first aid steps or advise you on what to do until help arrives. Don’t hang up until instructed to do so.
Emergency response teams are trained to handle choking incidents and can provide advanced medical care if needed. While waiting for their arrival, continue performing first aid techniques as previously described. If the child becomes unconscious, begin CPR if you’re trained.
Parental guidance is significant in these situations. If possible, have a family member or friend meet the emergency responders outside to guide them quickly to the child’s location. This can save precious time in critical moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Prevent Choking Incidents in Children?
To prevent choking in children, implement safe eating practices and supervision strategies. Cut food into small pieces, encourage thorough chewing, and avoid high-risk foods. Always supervise mealtimes, teach proper eating habits, and maintain a distraction-free environment during meals.
At What Age Should I Start Teaching Children About Choking Hazards?
You should start choking education as early as 18 months. Introduce child awareness gradually, using age-appropriate methods. By age 3-4, you can teach basic safety concepts. Continue reinforcing this knowledge throughout their early years.
Are There Any Choking Hazards Specific to Infants Under 12 Months?
Infants under 12 months face specific choking risks. Avoid infant food that’s too chunky or hard. Keep small toys, especially those with removable parts, out of their reach. Always supervise closely.
How Long Does It Typically Take for a Child to Recover After Choking?
Recovery time after a choking incident varies. You should seek immediate medical evaluation. Your child may recover quickly if the obstruction is removed promptly, but they could experience complications. Monitor them closely for 24-48 hours post-incident.
Should I Administer CPR if the Child Becomes Unconscious During a Choking Incident?
Promptly perform CPR if a child becomes unconscious during choking. Crisis response is critical. For an unconscious child, start with 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. Continue this cycle until help arrives or signs of life return.
