choking

Many choking accidents in babies and young children can be prevented if dangerous toys, foods and household items are kept out of their reach.
 

first aid course

It is also recommended all parents and carers of babies and young children do a first aid course so they can feel confident to cope with any accident that might happen. These courses can be done in New Zealand through the National Heart Foundation, the Red Cross Society and the National Lifesaving Association.
 

5 to 7 month old most at risk

Young children explore and learn by putting things in their mouths. Often they grow out of this by about one year of age but often this behaviour persists for longer.

The five to seven month age is the most at risk age for choking accidents.

Young children and babies are at risk of choking because they have a narrow airway and do not have the back teeth needed to grind and chew food fully. They also do not have a fully developed ability to chew, swallow and time these actions with breathing.

what to do when you see choking

If the child is breathing (but may be coughing, spluttering or crying)
 

• Do not try and remove the object.
• Telephone 111 for an ambulance urgently.
• The ambulance operator will give you advice and arrange for your child to be transferred to a hospital for assessment.

If your child is not breathing

• Immediately call 111 for an ambulance. You will see that your child cannot move any air.
• The ambulance service operator will be able to tell you what to do next.
• You may be asked to perform back blows. They will instruct you how to do this.
  • It is done by firmly supporting the head of the child by holding the jaw, then holding the child upside down across your lap or arm.
  • You then slap them with the palm of your flat hand between the shoulder blades up to five times (with medium force).
  • The object will hopefully then be forced up the airway into the mouth.
  • If you can then remove the object easily, do this.
  • Do not attempt to remove it if you fear you may push it further in.
  • DO NOT not use the Heimlich manoeuvre (abdominal thrust) unless instructed to by the ambulance operator as this can sometimes cause serious damage to organs in the abdomen.

choking prevention

• Babies under six months old should not have toys that are less than 30 mm wide and 60 mm long. Keep small objects out of a baby’s reach.
• Toys for under three year olds should be large enough so they cannot be swallowed. If the toy fits into a film cannister it is small enough to cause your child to choke.
• Do not allow children to play with toys designed for older children. Frequently check under furniture and between cushions for dangerous items young children could find. ie: coins, marbles, small balls, foam pellets.
• Check all toys for parts that could cause choking if they come off. eg: buttons, plastic eyes on soft toys, pen caps.
• Teach children to eat while sitting, to eat slowly and to chew properly. Always supervise them while they are eating. Wait until children are at least five years old before allowing them to eat food that is hard and small. ie: peanuts, boiled lollies. Avoid feeding your child hard or chunky food that could easily get stuck in the throat. Cut food into small pieces.
• Never force young children to eat - this may cause them to choke.

Dr Catherine Cearns, General Practioner