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This is for choking emergencies only. For first aid training,
consult
your local Red Cross Office for recommended instruction. |
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If a baby is choking, it is urgent that you remove the obstruction
immediately. If they can breathe, talk, or cough, do nothing to them.
They will probably cough the obstruction out unaided. If they can't
do any of the above mentioned signs or only make a faint wheezing
sound,
you must immediately go into action. Have somebody call an ambulance. |
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Get permission from whomever is responsible for the child if they
are
there, otherwise you can give permission to yourself.
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Hold the baby face down on your arm, with one leg pinned between
your
arm and torso. |
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Cradle their face in your hand and tilt them slightly downward. |
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Use the heel of your other hand to give five firm blows to the
baby's
upper back between the shoulder blades. Be careful with how hard you
hit‹you don't want to hurt the young one unnecessarily. |
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If choking continues, roll the baby over on your arm and place your
first three fingers on the middle of its chest. Lift your index finger and use the other two to thrust straight down
five times in a row. |
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Using one finger, sweep the mouth clean of any objects this may have loosened. If choking continues, alternate between these two processes until
the
object is clear.
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Make sure the child receives a medical examination as soon as
possible. The immediate danger has passed, but complications can appear
later from both the act of choking and the Heimlich maneuver itself.
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| FYI; when an older baby or toddler just starting solids starts choking,
coughing, or gagging on food, grab their wrists and pull their arms
straight up above their head, saying "Arms up!" This raises the
diaphragm and almost always releases whatever is stuck. As the toddler
gets older he will learn to do that on his own whenever gagging. And
don't scream or panic; it frightens the child and can cause them to
reject solid foods for days after. |
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Sara Rolling
Vancouver, WA |
Have a tip? E-mail it to us! |
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