471478278_Choking_First_Aid

The first step in choking first aid is recognising that a child has an airway blockage. This guide explains the signs and takes you through what to do when a child is choking.


Partial airway blockage: choking signs

The following signs can tell you that a child’s airway is partially blocked:

  • loss of voice
  • choking noises
  • coughing that keeps getting worse
  • gagging
  • wheezing
  • anxiety and agitation
  • stridor (a shrill rattling sound)
  • sudden chest pain

Complete airway blockage: choking signs

The following signs can tell you that a child’s airway is completely blocked:

  • The child can’t breathe
  • The child can’t make any sounds
  • No air is getting out of the child’s nose and/or mouth
  • The child’s skin goes pale or blue in colour
  • The child starts to lose consciousness quickly

Choking first aid for airway blockage

If a child is choking and you think she has a blocked airway, phone 995 immediately.

For a baby under one year do the following:

  • Lay the baby facing downwards on your forearm or over your thigh – remember to always support baby’s head and neck.
  • If the baby is old enough to understand, encourage him to cough.

For a child aged over one year do the following:

  • Encourage the child to lean forward.
  • Encourage the child to cough while you’re waiting for the ambulance to arrive.



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