Choking incidents in infants are not only frightening but can also be life-threatening, making them a concern for every parent and caregiver. Despite being common, with small objects, food, and even mucus posing risks, the quick and informed actions can significantly mitigate the dangers.
Understanding how to respond effectively and efficiently to such emergencies is vital, as immediate and appropriate intervention can mean the difference between relief and tragedy.
In light of this, the guidelines provided by The Nest, Kids CPR & Allergy serve as an invaluable resource. Our expert advice, which is based on current best practices, empowers caregivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle infant choking incidents safely and confidently.
1. Recognizing the Signs of Choking in Infants
Recognizing the signs of choking in infants is the critical first step in providing timely assistance. Infants, unable to articulate their distress, exhibit certain physical indicators that require immediate attention.
- Silent or Noisy Choking: An infant may choke silently with no sound or may exhibit a high-pitched noise or wheeze when breathing, indicating a partial airway blockage.
- Difficulty Breathing, Coughing, or Gagging: Look for signs of struggle; an infant might cough forcefully if the airway is partially blocked, or weakly and ineffectively if the blockage is more severe. Gagging or gasping motions are also common.
- Skin, Lips, or Nails Turning Blue: This is a serious sign of oxygen deprivation. Cyanosis, or the bluish discoloration of the skin, particularly around the lips and fingertips, indicates an urgent need for intervention.
2. Stay Calm and Reassure Your Infant
In the face of a choking incident, maintaining composure is paramount—not only for the effectiveness of your response but also for the well-being of the infant. A calm demeanor can be a source of comfort and reassurance in a distressing situation.
Importance of Staying Calm: Your ability to think clearly and act decisively is crucial during an emergency. Panicking can cloud judgment and delay the necessary actions needed to help an infant who is choking. Taking deep breaths and focusing on the task at hand can help maintain a sense of control.
Comforting Your Infant While Assessing the Situation: An infant can sense distress in their caregiver, which can heighten their own anxiety. Speaking in a soothing tone, maintaining gentle physical contact, and offering reassuring words can help soothe the infant. This comforting presence is invaluable as you assess the situation to determine the next steps for intervention.
3. Call for Help
In any choking incident involving an infant, time is of the essence, and knowing when and how to call for help is crucial. Prompt communication with emergency services can provide the professional assistance necessary for the situation.
When and How to Alert Emergency Services: If an infant is unable to breathe, cry, cough, or make any noise, it’s imperative to act swiftly. After attempting five back blows and five chest thrusts, if the object is still not dislodged, it’s time to call for emergency help.
Use the speakerphone function on your phone if possible, so you can continue to attend to the infant while speaking with the dispatcher. Provide clear and concise information about the infant’s condition and your location.
The Role of Bystanders in Assisting: If you’re not alone, instruct a bystander to call emergency services immediately while you focus on aiding the infant. Bystanders can also be helpful in gathering necessary information or items, like the infant’s medical history or an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), if available and appropriate.
4. Administering Back Blows
Administering back blows effectively can be a vital maneuver in dislodging an object from an infant’s airway. Proper technique and positioning are essential for it to be both safe and effective.
Correct Positioning of the Infant: Hold the infant face-down on your lap, which should be rested on your thigh for support, ensuring the infant’s head is lower than their chest. Support their head and jaw with your hand, taking care not to compress the soft tissues of the throat.
Technique and Force of Back Blows: With the heel of your free hand, deliver up to five firm back blows between the infant’s shoulder blades. Each blow should be a distinct and separate attempt to dislodge the object, with sufficient force to create a jolt in the airway, but being mindful not to cause injury. After each blow, check if the object has been dislodged before proceeding with the next blow.
5. Chest Thrusts
If back blows do not relieve the choking, chest thrusts are the next critical step. Executing chest thrusts with proper technique is vital to safely dislodging the obstruction.
Proper Hand Placement and Technique: Turn the infant over so they are facing upwards while still supported on your forearm and thigh, with their head lower than their chest. Place two fingers in the center of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line. Deliver sharp, upward thrusts, compressing the chest by about a third of its depth. Each thrust should be a deliberate and separate attempt to dislodge the object.
The Number of Thrusts and Intervals: Administer up to five chest thrusts, checking after each one to see if the blockage has cleared. Do not perform these thrusts too rapidly; allow a brief pause between each thrust to assess whether the object has been expelled.
6. Checking for Breathing
After administering back blows and chest thrusts, it’s crucial to check if the infant has resumed breathing. Proper assessment and subsequent actions are pivotal at this stage.
How to Assess if the Infant Has Started Breathing Again: Carefully observe the infant for any signs of breathing, such as the rise and fall of the chest, the sound of air moving, or any coughing or movement. You can also feel for breaths by putting your cheek close to the infant’s mouth and nose to feel for air.
If the child is still breathing but also still coughing/choking or making a noise while breathing, continue the back slpps and chest thrusts.
What to Do if There Is No Sign of Breathing: If the infant is still not breathing despite your efforts to dislodge the object, begin CPR immediately. Give 30 gentle chest compressions followed by two small breaths. Continue this cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until emergency help arrives or the infant starts breathing again.
7. CPR if Necessary
If an infant remains unresponsive and isn’t breathing after attempting to clear the airway, initiating CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) promptly is critical. This life-saving technique can help maintain vital blood flow to the infant’s heart and brain.
When and How to Perform Infant CPR: Begin CPR if the infant is unresponsive and not breathing after clearing the airway. Place the infant on a flat surface and perform compressions using two fingers placed just below the nipple line in the center of the chest. Press down about one and a half inches, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
The Ratio of Chest Compressions to Breaths: After every 30 compressions, give two gentle rescue breaths. Hold the infants head in the neutral position. Cover the infant’s mouth and nose with your mouth and blow gently to see the chest rise. Continue with the cycle of 30 compressions and two breaths until professional help arrives or the infant shows signs of recovery.
8. Do Not Attempt Blind Finger Sweeps
The urgency to clear an obstruction from an infant’s airway can lead to hasty decisions, but it’s important to avoid certain actions that may cause more harm, such as blind finger sweeps.
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Risks Associated with Blind Finger Sweeps: Inserting a finger into an infant’s throat without seeing the object can inadvertently push the obstruction deeper into the airway, making the situation worse. Additionally, blind finger sweeps could injure the sensitive internal tissues of the infant’s throat or cause the object to block the airway completely.
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Safer Alternatives: Instead of blind finger sweeps, rely on back blows and chest thrusts, which are safer and more effective techniques for dislodging an object. Only attempt to remove an object from the infant’s mouth if you can clearly see it and can grasp it without pushing it deeper.
9. Follow-Up Care
Even after a choking incident is resolved, the period that follows is crucial for ensuring the infant’s well-being. Follow-up care plays a significant role in safeguarding the infant’s health and identifying any possible complications.
Monitoring for Complications: Keep a close watch on the infant for any signs of distress, difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or changes in behavior or consciousness. These could indicate that there may be residual effects from the choking incident, such as a partial blockage or injury to the airway.
Seeking Medical Evaluation Even if the Infant Seems Fine: It’s imperative to seek professional medical evaluation after any choking incident, even if the infant appears to have fully recovered. Hidden injuries or remaining small particles can cause complications later on. A healthcare professional can thoroughly assess the infant’s condition, perform any necessary interventions,
10. Prevention Strategies
Preventing choking incidents before they occur is far more preferable than having to respond to them. Implementing strategic prevention measures can significantly reduce the risk of infants encountering choking hazards.
Safe Feeding Practices: Be mindful of the size and texture of food given to infants. Ensure that it’s appropriate for their age and developmental stage. Avoid foods that are notorious choking hazards, like whole grapes, nuts, and hard candies. Always supervise infants while they’re eating and encourage them to eat slowly.
Infant-Proofing the Home: Conduct regular checks of the infant’s environment to remove small objects that could be swallowed. This includes checking the floor and within reach on furniture. Secure small items, and be vigilant about items that can break into smaller parts.
Educating Caregivers and Older Siblings: Ensure that everyone who cares for the infant is aware of the choking hazards and knows how to prevent them. Teach older siblings about the importance of keeping small toys and other choking hazards away from younger infants. It’s also beneficial for caregivers and older siblings to be trained in infant first aid and CPR.
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