CHOKINGS

When an object (usually a toy or food) is lodged in the trachea (the airway) and is keeping air from flowing normally into or out of the lungs and the child is not able to breathe properly, he or she is choking.

Most of the time, the food or the object only partially blocks the trachea and it is likely to be coughed up and that breathing will be restored easily. If a kid seems to be chocking and coughing but is still able to breathe and talk, he or she probably will recover unassisted.

A CHILD MIGHT BE CHOKING IF HE OR SHE...

• is gasping or wheezing
• cannot talk, cry or make noise
• begins to turn blue
• grabs at his or her throat or waves arms
• seems to be panicked

WHAT TO DO

If a child is choking, call the emergency phone right away. If you are able to do abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver), do it immediately.

Never reach into the mouth to grab the object or pat the child on the back: it could push the object farther down the airway or make the situation worse.

• If a kid is gagging and coughing but is able to breathe and talk, the airway is not completely blocked. Therefore, it is best to do nothing.
• If a child was choking and is now unconscious and no longer breathing, call for help and immediately perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you know the procedure. If not, call the emergency phone.
• If the child is having difficulty breathing or swallowing, there is a persistent cough or wheezing or it has been a serious choking episode, take him or her for medical care.

PREVENTING CHOKING

All kids are at risk for choking, but those younger than three are especially vulnerable. Young children tend to put things in their mouths, have smaller airways that can be easily blocked and do not have much experience chewing and often swallow things whole.

Here you are some easy tips to prevent choking:

• Children younger than four should avoid eating foods that are easy to choke on such as nuts, popcorn and candies. Cut food into small pieces.
• Make sure they sit down, take small bites and do not talk or laugh with mouths full while they are eating.
• Pick up anything off the floor that could be dangerous to swallow like pen caps, coins, beads or batteries. Keep toys or gadgets with small parts out of reach.

Take the time now to become prepared. CPR and first-aid courses are a must for parents, teachers and other caregivers.


You may find all the information given more clear in the following videos: