Whether it’s a snack on a go or family dinner, a chocking child is a parent’s nightmare and it’s important to act fast. Our friends at Children’s Hospital of Michigan are sharing life saving information that can make a difference in case of an emergency.
Act Fast: Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Choking Children
It’s normal for children or babies to cough when something (usually food) is caught in their throat. However, if coughing doesn’t expel the object stuck in the child’s throat, it can lead to choking. Choking can block a child’s airways and make it difficult to breathe. In extreme cases, it can lead to death. In fact, choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional, preventable death.
If you see a child or baby gasping or having difficulty breathing, it’s time to perform the Heimlich maneuver on them. This technique involves thrusting the abdomen upwards so the lungs can force enough air to push out the blockage. Before performing the Heimlich maneuver on a child, ensure they are actually choking. If they can still cough forcefully or talk, leave them be. A choking child will gag or make a high-pitched sound. For babies under 1 year old, choking danger signs include bluish skin color, difficulty breathing and the inability to make a sound or cry.
Ask someone to call 911 before you perform the Heimlich maneuver. That person should also be the one to inform 911 of the progress of the Heimlich. This also helps ensure a rescue team is on the way if the Heimlich doesn’t remove the obstruction.
The Heimlich maneuver is generally a safe and quick technique to save a life. It’s an effective way to expel an object from the throat that won’t get out through coughing alone and you don’t need any medical training or knowledge to do the maneuver. It’s recommended to bring your child or baby to the doctor to ensure they’re all right.
This article is in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Michigan
