Choking is a frightening emergency that can happen to anyone, including infants and toddlers, and knowing how to respond is crucial. It is important to recognize the signs of choking, which can range from coughing or gagging to sudden inability to cry or make noise. Quick and appropriate action can make a significant difference in these situations.

In infants under the age of one, performing back blows and chest thrusts can dislodge the object causing the obstruction. For toddlers and older children, abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich maneuver, can be used. It's imperative to learn the correct techniques tailored for each age group to ensure the safety of the child while providing aid.

Key Takeaways

• Recognizing the signs of choking is essential.
• Back blows and chest thrusts are used for infants.
• The Heimlich maneuver is suitable for toddlers and older children.

Choking Identification And Response

In managing an infant or toddler in a choking situation, it's critical to recognize the signs quickly and respond effectively. Here’s a breakdown of what to watch for and the steps to take during and after a choking incident.

How To Tell If Your Child Is Choking

Choking in infants and toddlers can be silent, so it's vital to know the signs. Look for:

• Difficulty Breathing: The child is unable to cry, make noise, or breathe.
• Coughing or Gagging: An ineffective cough that isn't dislodging the object.
• Change in Skin Color: The skin may turn bright red or blue.
• High-pitched or No Sounds: Due to airway blockage, when the child attempts to breathe.
• Weakness or Loss of Consciousness: If the blockage isn't cleared.

What To Do If A Baby Or Toddler Is Choking

For Babies (Under 1 Year):

1. Five Back Slaps:
   

• Lay the baby face down on your forearm, with their head lower than their chest.
• Support their head and jaw with your hand.
• Deliver five firm back slaps between the baby's shoulder blades with the heel of your other hand.

1. Five Chest Thrusts:
   

• Turn the baby over, so they're facing up, keeping their head lower than their chest.
• Place two fingers at the center of their chest just below the nipple line.
• Push sharply downwards up to five times.

For Toddlers (1-3 Years):

• Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver):

• Stand or kneel behind the child and wrap your arms around their waist.
• Make a fist and place it just above the child’s navel, thumb side in.
• Grab your fist with your other hand and give quick, upward thrusts.

What To Do After A Choking Incident In A Baby Or Toddler

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if the child seems fine, there might be injury or remaining obstruction.
• Observe for Signs: Watch the child for any signs of breathing difficulties or behavioral changes.
• Prevent Future Incidents: Review how the choking happened to improve safety measures in your home.

Remember, time is of the essence during a choking incident. Stay calm and act swiftly. If at any time you are unable to dislodge the object or the child loses consciousness, call emergency services immediately.

Infant Choking Aid

In cases of infant choking, quick and correct response can be lifesaving. Learn the steps to assist a choking infant and how to perform CPR if the infant becomes unresponsive.

How To Help An Infant Who Is Choking

Step 1: Assess the Situation

• Check if the infant is able to cry, cough, or breathe.
• If they are not able to cough, cry, or breathe, proceed to step 2 immediately.

Step 2: Deliver Back Blows

• Hold the infant face down on your forearm, supported by your thigh.
• Ensure the infant's head is lower than their chest.
• Using the heel of your hand, give up to 5 firm back blows between the infant's shoulder blades.

Step 3: Chest Thrusts

• If back blows do not dislodge the object, perform chest thrusts.
• Turn the infant over, keeping their head lower than their chest.
• Place two fingers in the middle of the chest and give up to 5 thrusts.

Step 4: Repeat

• Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the infant becomes unresponsive.

Note: If the infant becomes unresponsive, begin CPR immediately and call for emergency services.

How To Perform Infant CPR

Step 1: Check for Responsiveness

• Tap the foot and call the infant’s name.
• If there is no response, shout for help but do not leave the infant alone.

Step 2: Give 30 Chest Compressions

• Place 2 fingers in the center of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line.
• Push straight down about 1.5 inches at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

Step 3: Open the Airway

• Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin.
• Check for breathing. If not breathing normally, prepare to give breaths.

Step 4: Give 2 Rescue Breaths

• Cover the infant's mouth and nose with your mouth.
• Give 2 gentle breaths, each lasting about 1 second, watching for chest rise.

Step 5: Repeat

• Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths.
• Perform CPR until emergency medical help arrives or the infant starts to breathe again.

Toddler and Older Child Choking Aid

In emergency situations where a toddler or older child is choking, knowing the correct steps to take can be lifesaving.

How To Help A Toddler Or Older Child Who Is Choking

1. Check the situation: Determine if the child is indeed choking and unable to breathe, cough, or speak.
2. Encourage coughing: If the child can cough, encourage continued coughing to try dislodging the object.
3. Five back blows: Position the child slightly forward and give five back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
4. Five abdominal thrusts: If the back blows do not work, perform five abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver.

• Stand or kneel behind the child, placing your arms around their waist.
• Make a fist and place it just above the child’s navel, grabbing the fist with your other hand.
• Deliver a quick, upward and inward thrust.

1. Call for help: If the object is not dislodged after three cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts, call emergency services immediately.
2. Continue care: Continue alternating five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged or professional help arrives.

Things to remember:

• Do not perform blind finger sweeps, as they can push the object deeper.
• If the child becomes unresponsive, begin CPR and rescue breathing if you are trained to do so.

Remember, swift and appropriate action is essential. Practice and knowledge of these techniques are crucial for anyone responsible for the care of children.