When a child is choking, immediate action is crucial. Here's what you should do:
-
Back Blows: Give up to five firm back blows between the child's shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
- Back blows create a strong vibration and pressure in the airway.
- This can dislodge the blockage, allowing the child to breathe again.
- If back blows are ineffective, proceed to the next step.
Here's a breakdown of the steps, adapted from standard first aid procedures, presented for clarity:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assess the Situation: Determine if the child is truly choking. Look for signs like inability to cough, speak, or breathe, and bluish skin. | Distinguish choking from other respiratory issues and ensure appropriate intervention. |
| 2 | Give Back Blows: Hold the child face down over your forearm or lap, supporting their chest and jaw. Give up to five firm blows between the shoulder blades. | Back blows increase pressure in the chest and airways to expel the obstructing object. Reference: Give up to five back blows: hit them firmly on their back between the shoulder blades. Back blows create a strong vibration and pressure in the airway, which is often enough to dislodge the blockage. |
| 3 | If Unsuccessful: If the back blows don’t dislodge the object, prepare to administer abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). Note: Specific techniques may vary based on the child’s age (infant vs. older child). | Abdominal thrusts create an upward force on the diaphragm to expel the object. |
| 4 | Continue Alternating: Continue alternating between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged or the child becomes unresponsive. | Persistence is key to dislodging the object. |
| 5 | If the Child Becomes Unresponsive: Start CPR immediately. | CPR helps maintain circulation and oxygen delivery until emergency services arrive. |
Important Considerations:
- Infants: For infants under one year old, the technique for back blows and chest thrusts is different from that used for older children. Consult a first aid manual or take a certified course for proper infant choking procedures.
- Seek Professional Help: Even if you successfully dislodge the object, it's important to seek medical attention to ensure there are no remaining fragments or complications.
- Prevention: Educate caregivers about choking hazards and take steps to prevent choking incidents, such as cutting food into small pieces.
