First Aid for Choking

Kids & Company Blog

First Aid for Choking

It is important to familiarize yourself with First Aid training so you are well prepared in the case of an emergency. Knowing how to quickly and effectively help your child clear a blocked airway and resuscitate them may save their life. Here are step by step guides for infants under the age of 1 and children between the ages of 1 – 8 years.

Choking - Infant (less than 1 year)

When the child is coughing, just encourage the coughing. Don’t pat them on the back or have them ingest anything. Coughing is the body’s way of clearing the airway. If the child stops coughing, and makes no noise, this means their airway is full obstructed.
If no noise, call 911. Tell them who you are, the address of where you are and where you are in the building, that you have an unconscious child and need a paramedic. If calling on a land line, stay on the phone until the operator hangs up. If on a cell, they will stay on the phone with you until help arrives.
Place the child on the floor, and landmark on their chest as if you were to do CPR. Do 5 compressions
Supporting the head, flip the child over so he is facing the floor while resting on your arm. Have their head pointing at the floor and legs at your should. This will allow gravity to help you.
Go 5 back blows. Connect between the shoulder blades in a forward motion towards their head.
Continue step 4 and 5 until helps arrive, or if they go limp and unconscious.
If child goes unconscious, perform CPR

choking final

Choking - Child (1 year to 8 years)

When the child is coughing, just encourage the coughing. Don’t pat them on the back or have them ingest anything. Coughing is the body’s way of clearing the airway. If the child stops coughing, and makes no noise, this means their airway is full obstructed.
If no noise, call 911. Tell them who you are, the address of where you are and where you are in the building, that you have an unconscious child and need a paramedic. If calling on a land line, stay on the phone until the operator hangs up. If on a cell, they will stay on the phone with you until help arrives.
Go behind the child and place one fist on their belly button, and the other hand wrapped on top.
Pull inwards and up in a J motion. Do this 5 times
Bend the child over with one arm across their chest for support. You want them ad far over as possible to let gravity help. Do 5 black blows. You should hit the back between the shoulder blades, and push up.
Continue steps 3 to 5 until help arrives, or if they go unconscious.
If child goes unconscious, perform CPR