5 Things Every Parent Should Know About Choking
1. Never put your fingers in your child's mouth.
Putting your fingers in your child’s mouth to remove a choking hazard is only possible if the object is visible and you can use your fingertips to remove. Otherwise putting your finger in your child's mouth once your child is choking is a big NO NO. Why? Because you could push the choking hazard further into your child’s airway. This would cause your child’s airway to be further obstructed and at a higher risk of causing more damage. Not to mention you may get your finger bitten.
2. Know your choking hazards
It isn’t always the hard slippery choking hazard you might think of.
Choking hazards come in all shapes and sizes. The main ones to look out for: Marshmallows, whole grapes, raw vegetables, hard chips, popcorn, hard cheese, hotdogs and sausages, whole nuts, hard lollies, thick nut butters on crackers, small toys (yes bouncy balls are a no in our house), coins and button batteries
3. Choking is SILENT
A full occlusion in your child’s airway means no air can move into or out of the lungs. This means your child won't be able to speak, cough, cry or make any noise. It is for this reason you should ALWAYS watch your child when they are eating. Ensure they are sitting up. NEVER feed your child in the car. You will not know they are choking because you will not see them or hear them.
4. Prevention is the key!
Pack away the toys, avoid giving them foods that could cause harm, always sit them up to eat and become educated today.
5. Know your DRSABCD and your Choking management plan (It will save your child’s life).
If your child goes for a prolonged period without oxygen, it will cause a cardiac arrest. Hence why it is important to know your first aid skills, how and when to call for help and understand the choking management plan. It is never too late to learn and refresh these skills.
Sign up today to one of out Baby First Aid Courses where you will learn all you need to know about choking and what to do if your child is choking.