Easter is fast approaching and it’s worth reminding everyone that one of my favourites, mini eggs, should not be given to children under the age of 4 however care should be taken whatever the age of the child.
Mini eggs are similar in size and shape to grapes and are just the right size to block a small child’s airway.
However, it’s not just mini eggs – other small spherical chocolates such as maltesers and smarties have the potential to be a choking hazard for young children.
Choking is a medical emergency that occurs when an object becomes lodged in the throat, blocking the airway. It can be a particularly dangerous situation in children because their airways are smaller and more easily obstructed. Here are some things to keep in mind about choking in children:
- Prevention is key: To prevent choking in children, make sure they do not eat or play with small objects that could easily become lodged in their throat. Also, cut food into small pieces, and supervise children while they eat to make sure they are chewing properly.
- Signs of choking: Signs of choking include difficulty breathing, coughing and wheezing. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, take action immediately.
- First aid for choking: If your child is choking and is still conscious, encourage them to cough to try to dislodge the object. If they can’t cough or attempts to cough are not working, give up to 5 back blows in between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand. If that doesn’t work, then give 5 abdominal thrusts. If the object is still stuck, call 999 immediately. If your child is unconscious, begin CPR.
- Abdominal thrusts: Abdominal thrusts are a technique used to clear the airway of someone who is choking. It involves placing your hands around the person’s waist and applying pressure to the abdomen. It is important to learn this technique from a qualified instructor.
- Prevention of future choking incidents: After a choking incident, it is important to take steps to prevent it from happening again. This may involve making changes to your child’s diet, supervising them more closely while they eat, and taking a first aid course to learn how to respond in an emergency.
Choking can be a life-threatening emergency, so it is important to be prepared and take action quickly.