If a child begins to choke, encourage them to cough. If they are unable to cough forcefully, do not have a strong cry or cannot breathe sufficiently follow these steps:
1. Give up to five back blows – these create vibration and pressure which may dislodge blockage.
- Hold the baby face down supporting the head. Place the baby along your thigh with their head lower than their bottom.
- Hit the baby firmly on their back between the shoulder blades up to five times.
- If the back blows do not dislodge the object, move on to step two.
2. Give five chest thrusts – these squeeze air out of lungs and may dislodge blockage.
- Turn the baby over so they are facing upwards.
- Place two fingers in the middle of their chest just below the nipples.
- Push sharply downwards about 1.5 inches five times.
3. Call 9-1-1 if the object does not dislodge.
4. Keep going.
- Keep giving sets of back blows and chest thrusts, until the object dislodges, someone with more advanced training arrives and takes over, or the baby becomes unresponsive. If baby becomes unresponsive, start infant CPR.
Source: HSA
Disclaimer: The Emergency Guide is provided as a reference only. Every effort has been taken to acquire and publish accurate information provided by medical authorities. In case of emergency, always call or have someone CALL 9-1-1.