Choking: what should you do in an emergency situation?

A child choking on a piece of apple or a grape. It's something you don't want to imagine. Unfortunately, choking can have fatal consequences. Do you know what to do when your child is at risk of choking?

Grapes, cherry tomatoes, hot dogs, and the like: delicious, of course, but this food can also be life-threatening. Such foods cause many choking incidents, especially in children. However, it's not just food that poses a risk. As all young parents know, children put everything in their mouths. Just last week, it was reported that button batteries pose a significant danger. In just one week, no fewer than three children ended up with severe injuries at the Erasmus Hospital in Rotterdam after putting a button battery in their mouths.

Prevention is better than cure
Many such accidents can be prevented. For example, it is advisable to always cut food items—such as grapes, tomatoes, and hot dogs—into quarters. Don't forget to cut hot dogs lengthwise as well, to prevent them from getting lodged in the windpipe. Always have your child eat while sitting—preferably at the table. Additionally, do not leave small objects like batteries lying around the house.

What to do if something goes wrong?
If your child can no longer breathe or cough, is slowly losing consciousness, and even turning blue, act immediately! Follow these steps:

1. Call 112 immediately.
2. Put your phone on speaker.
3. Give your child 5 back blows between the shoulder blades with your palm and check after each blow if the object comes out.
4. If this doesn't help, perform 5 abdominal thrusts.
5. Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the airway is clear.
6. Is your child no longer breathing? Check if help is on the way, lay your child on their back, and start CPR.

Want to learn what to do when your child is choking?
Attend the first aid workshop for babies and children. Register here.