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How Do You Stop a Child From Choking?

Published in Child Safety 3 mins read

To stop a child from choking, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) if they are conscious, or back blows and chest thrusts if they are unconscious.

Here's a breakdown of the steps to take when a child is choking:

Responding to a Conscious Choking Child:

  1. Determine if the child is truly choking. Look for signs like:
    • Inability to cough, cry, or breathe
    • Bluish skin color (cyanosis)
    • Universal choking sign (hands clutched at the throat)
  2. If the child is choking and can cough forcefully, encourage them to continue coughing. Do not interfere unless they are unable to cough effectively.
  3. If the child is unable to cough, cry, or breathe:
    • For children over 1 year old: Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).
      • Stand or kneel behind the child.
      • Place your arms under the child's arms and around their upper abdomen.
      • Clench one fist and place the thumb side between the navel and the ribs.
      • Grasp your fist with your other hand.
      • Pull sharply inwards and upwards with quick thrusts.
      • Repeat until the object is dislodged or the child becomes unconscious.

Responding to an Unconscious Choking Child:

  1. If the child becomes unconscious:
    • Carefully lower the child to the ground.
    • Call for emergency medical help (911 or your local emergency number) or have someone else call.
    • Check for an object in the mouth. If you see an object that is easily accessible, carefully remove it. Do not perform a blind finger sweep, as this could push the object further down.
  2. Begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). The CPR procedure for a choking child includes:
    • Chest Compressions: Place two fingers (for an infant) or the heel of one hand (for a child) on the breastbone, just below the nipple line. Compress the chest about 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
    • Look for the object in the mouth after each set of compressions. Remove the object if visible.
    • Give Rescue Breaths: After 30 chest compressions, give two rescue breaths. Ensure a proper seal over the child's mouth and nose. Watch for chest rise with each breath. If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and try again.
    • Continue CPR cycles (30 compressions and 2 breaths) until emergency help arrives or the child starts breathing.

Important Considerations:

  • Infants Under 1 Year Old: Do not perform abdominal thrusts. Instead, use back blows and chest thrusts. Hold the infant face down over your forearm, supporting their head and jaw. Give five firm back blows between the shoulder blades. Then, turn the infant face up and give five chest thrusts using two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line.
  • Prevention is key. Keep small objects out of reach of children, cut food into small pieces, and supervise children while they are eating.
  • Take a CPR and first aid course. This will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to respond effectively to a choking emergency. The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association offer comprehensive training programs.
  • Remain calm. This will help you to think clearly and act quickly.