Choking - First Aid

Choking is a major cause of death for infants under the age of 1 year. This is because babies have small airways, they tend to put objects in their mouth and they can't chew well. Here is how to help your baby if he chokes and how to prevent accidents.


FOR INFANTS (Under 1 year)
If your baby is choking but can still breathe or cry, let him cough the object out himself. If he is unable to breathe, cry or cough you need to take the following action:

1. Lay him facedown on your forearm, being careful to support his head and jaw in your hand. Using the heel of your free hand, give him five quick, forceful blows between the shoulder blades.

2. If the object does not come out, turn him face up on your arm or lap. Put your middle and index fingers at the centre of his breastbone, about one finger breadth below his nipples. Give fine quick chest thrusts. Alternate between five back blows and five chest thrusts until the object is dislodged.

3. If his is unresponsive, start CPR and have someone call 111. Support his head with your hand, and turn him on his back. Put your middle and index fingers at the centre of his chest, about one finger breadth below the nipples. Give five quick chest compressions, pressing 1/2 to 1 inch at a rate of at least 100 per minute. After every five compression, tilt back his chin slightly and give one rescue breath by putting your mouth over his mouth and nose and breathing out. If you see the object, remove it - otherwise, don't reach into his mouth.