Choking Infant
Note
- Anyone less than 1year of age is treated as an infant
- Newborn – Birth to 2 months of age
- Infants – 2 months to 1 year
- Toddlers – 1 year to 4 years
Signs & Symptoms
- Coughing, wheezing
- Gagging
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty breathing may have a blue tinge to lips and face
Treatment
5 x back blows – 5 x chest thrusts – alternate
- Call an ambulance
- Support the infant head down on your forearm
- Using the heel of your hand give up to five back blows between the shoulder blades
- After each back blow turn the infant over and check if the obstruction is dislodged
- If unsuccessful place the infant on their back, place two fingers in the middle of their chest and apply up to five chest thrusts
- After each chest thrust check if the obstruction is dislodged
Note
- If the patient becomes unconscious quickly look in the mouth / throat. You may be able to see the obstruction and remove it.
- Be prepared to commence CPR
