05/11/2024
Recognising When a Child is Choking: A First Aid Perspective
Introduction
Choking is one of the most common yet dangerous incidents that can happen to children, especially those under five years old. Recognising the signs of choking and responding swiftly and appropriately can save a child's life. This guide is designed to help you identify the symptoms of choking in children based on UK first aid training standards, including key steps and best practices to follow.
Understanding Choking in Children
Choking occurs when a foreign object partially or completely obstructs a child’s airway, preventing them from breathing. Young children are especially prone to choking as they often put objects in their mouths and may struggle with larger food pieces.
In the UK, first aid training, such as that provided by the British Red Cross and St. John Ambulance, emphasises the importance of early recognition of choking signs to prevent severe outcomes.
Recognising the Signs of Choking
Children may exhibit different signs of choking based on the severity of the obstruction. These signs are divided into two categories: mild obstruction and severe obstruction.
1. Signs of Mild Airway Obstruction
Coughing: The child may cough forcefully and continue to make sounds. This is a positive sign, as it shows that some air is moving past the obstruction.
Gagging or Wheezing: If an object is lodged, but air is partially passing through, the child might gag or produce a whistling noise (wheezing) while breathing.
Distress or Panic: The child may appear frightened or teary-eyed but is still able to communicate or make sounds.
What to Do:
Encourage the child to continue coughing. Often, this is enough to dislodge the object without intervention.
Stay calm and reassure the child, as panic may worsen their distress.
Observe closely to ensure the situation doesn’t escalate.
2. Signs of Severe Airway Obstruction
Severe airway obstruction requires immediate action, as the child’s breathing is critically impaired. Key signs include:
Silent Coughing or No Sound: A child unable to cough, speak, or make any sound is likely experiencing a complete obstruction.
Clutching the Throat: A natural response to choking is to grab at the throat, often called the “universal choking sign.”
Difficulty Breathing or Gasping for Air: Look for labored breathing, with visible struggle to inhale.
Blue or Pale Skin Tone: Lack of oxygen may cause the skin, especially around the lips and face, to turn blue or pale (cyanosis).
Loss of Consciousness: If the blockage is not removed, the child may faint or become unresponsive.
First Aid Steps for Choking in Children
Once you recognise the signs of choking, act quickly. Here are the first aid steps recommended by UK first aid authorities:
Step 1: Assess the Situation
Quickly assess if the child can cough or make any sounds.
If the child can cough forcefully, encourage them to do so without physical intervention.
If they cannot breathe, cough, or speak, proceed with further steps.
Step 2: Deliver Back Blows
For Children Aged 1 and Over:
Stand behind the child and lean them forward.
Using the heel of your hand, deliver up to five sharp blows between their shoulder blades.
Check after each blow if the object has been dislodged.
Step 3: Perform Abdominal Thrusts
For Children Aged 1 and Over:
Stand behind the child, placing your arms around their waist.
Make a fist with one hand, positioning it just above the navel.
Grasp your fist with the other hand and pull inwards and upwards sharply.
Repeat up to five times, checking after each thrust if the object has been expelled.
Note: Do not perform abdominal thrusts on infants under 1 year old. Use chest thrusts instead.
Step 4: Repeat if Necessary
Alternate between five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged or the child becomes unresponsive.
Step 5: If the Child Becomes Unresponsive
If the child loses consciousness, carefully lay them on their back.
Begin CPR if you are trained to do so, starting with chest compressions.
Call 999 immediately if you have not already done so, and continue with CPR until emergency services arrive or the child regains consciousness.
Prevention Tips
Preventing choking in young children involves educating caregivers and ensuring that children are supervised, especially during mealtimes and play. Here are some key tips:
Cut Food Properly: Cut foods such as grapes, sausages, and cheese into small pieces to reduce choking risk.
Avoid Small Objects: Keep small items, like buttons, coins, and toys with detachable parts, out of children’s reach.
Encourage Slow Eating: Teach children to chew thoroughly and eat at a calm pace.
Conclusion
Recognizing choking in a child and responding quickly can be life-saving. By understanding the difference between mild and severe obstructions and following UK first aid guidelines, you can effectively assist a child in distress. Remember, if you’re ever unsure or unable to help, call emergency services immediately.
This guide is meant for educational purposes and does not replace professional first aid training.
