Choking in children is a common emergency that can lead to serious consequences if not handled properly. As a parent or carer, it is important to know how to administer first aid. Here are some tips for first aid at critical moments to help you keep your child safe in an emergency.
1. What is choking?
Choking is when food or liquid enters the airways, making it difficult to breathe or choking. This can happen to children of any age, but it is especially prone to infants and toddlers.
2. How to tell if a child is choking?
If your child suddenly starts coughing, wheezing, or having trouble breathing, they may be choking. Other symptoms may include a flushed face, inability to speak, or a weak crying voice. If your child has these symptoms, take immediate action.
3. How to administer first aid?
1.Pat your child's back: If your child chokes, start by slapping their back to help them cough up food or liquids. Place the child on your forearm, have them face down, and gently pat them on the back.
2.Practice the Heimlich maneuver: If patting your child's back doesn't work, the Heimlich maneuver should be started immediately. Place the child on your lap with them face down, then make a fist with one hand and place the thumb under the child's abdomen, just at the junction of the ribs and tummy. Grab the fist with your other hand and push it up, repeating until your child coughs up food or liquid.
3.Call first aid**: If none of the above works, call first aid** immediately. Tell your doctor about your child's age, gender, and symptoms, and follow your doctor's instructions.
4. How to prevent choking and choking?
To avoid choking and choking, the following precautions can be taken:
1.Don't let your child play while eating: Playing while your child is eating can easily cause food to enter the airway. Let them eat quietly and tell them not to talk while eating.
2.Don't give your child food that is too small or too hard: Children who eat food that is too small or hard can easily enter the airway. Children should be given soft foods of appropriate size.
3.Be mindful of your child's eating environment: Your child should eat in a quiet environment while they are eating, and avoid running around them while they are eating.
Choking in children is a common emergency. As a parent or carer, it is important to know how to administer first aid. Hopefully, the above information will help you make the right decisions at critical times to keep your children safe.
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