Choking Children

Choking Children Over One Year old

No matter how careful you are, your child may choke on something. In most cases, you or someone else will see your child swallow the object that causes choking. There can be other reasons why your child starts coughing. However, if your child suddenly starts coughing, is not ill and has a habit of putting small objects in their mouth, there’s a good chance that they’re choking.

Try these suggestions:

Back blows (for children over one year)

• Back blows are more effective if the child is positioned head down.
• Put a small child across your lap as you would a baby.

Abdominal thrusts for children over one year:

• Clench your fist and place it between the navel and ribs.
• Grasp this hand with your other hand and pull sharply inwards and upwards.
• Repeat up to five times.

Following chest or abdominal thrusts, reassess your child as follows:

• If the object is still not dislodged and your child is still conscious, continue the sequence of back blows and either chest or abdominal thrusts.

Even if the object is expelled, get medical help. Part of the object might have been left behind or your child might have been hurt by the procedure.

Unconscious child with choking:

• If a choking child is, or becomes, unconscious, put them on a firm, flat surface.
• Start CPR

The advice provided is no substitute for proper first aid training.   For more information on attending a first aid courses please call us on 0151 207 0081.