The Do's and Don'ts of Performing First Aid for Choking Children

There is nothing scarier for a parent or caregiver than watching their child choke and not knowing what to do. It can escalate quickly, and while they’re struggling to breathe, that’s when they need you the most. 

You need to put aside the fear and panic racing through your mind and body and act fast. Knowing what to do in a choking situation is a skill that can be taught and learned, and it could save your child’s life.

Whether it’s your child or even helping someone else choking, knowing how to take correct action can make all the difference—that’s why learning first aid for choking is essential.

 

COMMON CAUSES OF CHOKING IN CHILDREN

Choking in children can be a serious and potentially life-threatening situation. Understanding the common causes of choking and knowing how to help someone choking is crucial for caregivers and parents. 

Here are some common choking causes:

• Food-Related Choking Hazards: Choking incidents often involve items like hot dogs, nuts, seeds, grapes, candy, popcorn, meat, cheese, and raw carrots. 
• Toys and Small Objects: Choking risks can come from small toys, coins, marbles, buttons, and batteries. 
• Swallowing Household Items: Hazards can come from items like pen caps, un-inflated balloons, and other small items 
• Medical Conditions: There’s a greater risk of choking in children with swallowing disorders or certain neurological conditions. 
• Eating While Playing or Lying Down: Children face a higher choking risk, so ensuring they eat calmly and while seated is key to reducing this risk.

 

THE DO'S OF FIRST AID FOR CHOKING CHILDREN

There are a few important steps all parents and caregivers must know to stop a child from choking. The steps vary slightly depending on the age of the child. There are different steps for babies that will be pointed out below, as well as knowing how many back blows for choking to apply.

When you notice your child choking, assess your child's ability to cough effectively, as this will tell you the severity of the obstruction and determine your treatment.

If your child can cough, encourage them to keep coughing and to clear the obstruction themselves. If the obstruction won’t clear, call 000.

If your child cannot cough effectively, start administering back blows and chest thrusts as described below.

 

STEPS TO TAKE FOR BABIES (12 MONTHS AND UNDER):

Choking in babies can be extremely scary for parents and caregivers, so it's essential to act quickly and calmly. Here are the steps to take to help a choking baby: 

Immediate Action: Call for Help

• Dial Triple Zero (000) to call an ambulance immediately.

Administering Back Blows:

• Hold the baby face-down along your forearm, with their head lower than their body.
• Support the baby’s head and shoulders with your hand, ensuring the head is stabilised.
• Deliver up to 5 firm back blows between the baby’s shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
•  After each back blow, check to see if the blockage has been dislodged.

If Back Blows Don’t Work:

•  If the obstruction is not cleared after 5 back blows, proceed to the next step.
• Place the infant on their back across the rescuer’s thigh, with their head in a down position
• Put 2 fingers in the centre of the chest, just below the nipple line (CPR position).
• Perform 5 chest thrusts. These are similar to CPR compressions but should be sharper and slower.
• After each chest thrust, check if the obstruction has loosened.

Continued Efforts:

• If the blockage remains, continue alternating between 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts.

Keep alternating these methods until medical assistance arrives.

If at any point the baby becomes unconscious, start performing CPR.

STEPS TO TAKE FOR INFANTS (OVER 12 MONTHS):

Initial Response: Encourage Coughing

• If the child can cough, encourage them to cough vigorously. Coughing can often dislodge the object on its own. If they’re unable to cough, back blows should be administered.

Call for Emergency Help:

• If coughing does not remove the obstruction, immediately call Triple Zero (000) for emergency assistance.

Administering Back Blows:

• Have the child lean forward slightly.
• Deliver 5 sharp back blows between their shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
• After each back blow, check to see if the blockage has cleared.

If Back Blows Are Ineffective:

• If the object is still not dislodged after 5 back blows, proceed to chest thrusts.
• Place one hand in the middle of the child's back for support
• Place the heel of your other hand in the centre of the chest, between the nipples (the CPR compression point).
• Perform up to 5 chest thrusts, checking after each one to see if the object has been dislodged.

Continued Efforts:

• If the blockage is still not cleared, continue alternating between 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts.
• Keep repeating this process until medical help arrives.

If the Child Becomes Unconscious:

• If the child becomes unconscious at any point, begin performing CPR immediately.

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING A FIRST AID COURSE FOR PARENTS

A first aid training course is an investment in your child’s safety and your peace of mind. With the knowledge and skills gained, parents are better equipped to handle choking emergencies. 

Understanding the correct techniques for back blows, chest thrusts, and CPR is crucial in these scenarios. A first aid course gives parents the confidence to perform these lifesaving procedures, such as the role of chest thrusts for choking, and how to help someone choking effectively.  A first aid course will also help you with what to do after a choking incident.

It should be pointed out that while there are some devices marketed as anti-choking aids, it’s important to know that these may not work in all scenarios, and do not replace the need for choking-related first aid courses.

 

BE READY WITH THE ESSENTIALS OF FIRST AID FOR CHOKING 

Knowing how to perform first aid on babies and children should be a top priority on every parent’s and caregiver’s list. Understanding what to do if someone is choking, knowing what is effective, and, importantly, what doesn’t work, can be the difference between life and death. 

Investing in first aid courses tailored for babies and children will give you the skills to act confidently during stressful situations. It’s also crucial to learn about choking hazards during specific developmental stages of a baby or infant, such as transitioning to solid foods.  

Remember that this is an introduction to first aid training, covering at a high level how to prevent, recognise, and treat choking. For a comprehensive guide, we highly recommend following through by booking a specialised first aid training course, which will give you the skills to deal with choking scenarios with confidence.    

Enrol in our Baby & Child First Aid Course to prepare for choking emergencies. Master vital skills to handle choking incidents confidently and understand hazards to prevent choking. Register today to ensure a safer environment for your little one.