Choking is a serious and potentially life-threatening emergency, particularly in children, between the ages of 1 and 5 years, who are more susceptible to choking due to their natural curiosity and tendency to explore the world orally. It occurs when an object is lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the airway and impeding the flow of oxygen. We must be aware of the symptoms of choking in children and effective responses to ensure their safety.
Skin may turn pale or bluish around the lips or fingertips, difficulty in breathing, loss of consciousness, inability to cry or make much sound.
1. Lay the baby facing down on your thigh or forearm. Use the base of your hand to give up to 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades. This action creates vibrations and pressure in your child's windpipe that will force the object out.
2. Give five gentle but firm chest compressions with your fingers, If the object is not out. Place two fingers just below the nipple line. Press down about one and 1/2 inches. Let the chest rise between each compression.
3 .Repeat the back thumps and chest compressions if the blockage has not cleared or until emergency help arrives.
4. Start CPR if the child loses consciousness, The object stuck would most likely come out of the mouth. However, the child swallows the object that they choked on and recovers. If they swallowed a non- food item like a button battery, take them to a hospital emergency department immediately.