Article content
It is more than certain that every parent’s nightmare is finding themselves in a situation where their child is choking and not knowing how to help. This often happens especially with children who swallow anything they have at hand (coins, nuts, peanuts, seeds). It is a dangerous situation that can cause suffocation. And how to react in such a moment? Learn how to proceed.
Step 1: Analyze the situation
– If the child emits strange sounds like coughing or gasping for breath, it may be caused by a foreign object that is blocking the airflow.
– If the child is quiet while their mouth is open and their little face begins to turn red to purple, it means that breathing is obstructed and the child needs immediate help.
– If the child cries loudly and the cough is very strong, a foreign object may be removed by the child by gradually coughing it up. If the cough is weak and sounds almost like choking, you should help as soon as possible.
Step 2: Try to eliminate the foreign object from the airways
How? Back blows.
– Sit on your heels and place your forearm on your thigh with the palm facing up.
– Place the child on your forearm so that their belly is on your forearm and you hold their jaw with your hand. The child’s head should be positioned lower than their body. Strike the child’s back 5 times. Don’t be afraid to apply a little more force.
If that doesn’t help, try pressure on the abdomen by placing the child on your lap and holding their head with your hand, which must be at a lower level than their body. Place 2 fingers of your free hand on the center of the chest just below the nipples. Press to a depth of about 4 cm and repeat this movement 5 times. Repeat this whole process until the foreign object is removed from the airways.
Step 3: If nothing helps, try artificial respiration
See the video that will show you how to give artificial respiration to a newborn.
