If you believe your toddler—or anyone over age 1—is choking (on food, a small object or something else), follow these instructions from the American College of Emergency Physicians:
- First, determine whether your child can breathe, cry or cough.
- If your child is coughing strongly, this usually means the airway is blocked only slightly or not blocked at all. Coughing may dislodge the object successfully.
- Only begin first aid for choking if your child cannot breathe, cough or speak.
If a child (over age 1) is conscious and choking:
Call 9-1-1 or have someone else call in case emergency medical help will be needed.
Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on the child (do not use this technique on an infant under age 1):
- Stand in back of the child and reach around his or her waist.
- Clench your fist and place it above the child's navel and below the rib cage.
- Grasping your fist with your other hand, pull your clenched fist sharply back and up under the rib cage 6 to 10 times quickly.
- Continue doing this until the obstruction is relieved or emergency medical help arrives. In either case, your child should be examined by a physician as soon as possible.
If your choking toddler becomes unconscious:
- Call 9-1-1 and start performing CPR if you know how. Losing consciousness requires immediate, emergency assistance.
Knowledge of CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) and other first aid is important and valuable for all parents and caregivers.
Don’t wait for an emergency to happen. Find a CPR / first aid class in your community and take it.
See also ...
This message is not intended to provide individual medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your health or medical condition, your breastfeeding issues and your infant's health. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.
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