Choking Hazards

There is a reason for the warning labels on toys with small parts. Small children love to put things in their mouths. Whether ingested as a means of discovery, in an attempt to soothe teething gums, or simply because they look like candy, the small parts that end up as infants’ chew toys pose a huge choking hazard. It is almost inevitable that your child will put something in their mouth that does not belong there. Should that Lego piece or pen cap get caught in their throat, there are a few very important techniques you can learn to prevent serious injury.

Responding to choking

The reason someone starts to choke is because something is obstructing their airway, preventing the free flow of oxygen. This is very serious because vital organs like the brain need oxygen to function. If your child is choking, you should first encourage coughing. If they are conscious and the choking was caused by irritating liquids or something of a solid shape, they can drink water to try to get the object to pass.

Back slaps are the next technique to try if the item is still lodged in the throat. Use the heel of your hand to take hard blows (be more gentle for babies and infants) at the upper back of the choking victim. Take 10 to 15 blows then wait and encourage more coughing.

Your last resort should be abdominal thrusts, commonly known as the Heimlich Maneuver. This is performed differently on children than adults to accommodate for size. Kneel behind them, placing one of your knees in between their legs for support. With one hand make a fist and place it on the stomach above the belly button but well below the breast bone. Grasp your fist with the other hand and give a thrust pushing into the belly, then up.

When a child begins choking, you should always call 911 immediately, even before administering any of the techniques listed above.

If your child has been injured in a choking accident, contact the Rhinelander choking injury lawyers of Habush, Habush, & Rottier S.C. at 1-800-369-5990 to discuss your case and legal options.

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