Recently, the nation was shocked by the news of a child's death due to choking on chewy candy. This incident reminds us of the importance of awareness regarding first aid in choking situations, especially among children.

When someone is choking, it means that the airway is blocked by an object, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain. If oxygen deprivation continues for more than four minutes, brain damage may occur and can even be fatal. So, what actions should be taken when facing such a situation?

Stay Calm

The rescuer should remain calm and act immediately. Learn the steps of first aid and seek help as soon as possible. Bystanders can also assist by calling emergency services at 999.

Recognising Signs of Choking

Some signs that a child may be choking include:

• Persistent coughing without an obvious reason.

• Difficulty breathing or gasping for air.

• Wheezing sounds similar to asthma patients.

• Panic and clutching the throat.

• Inability to speak clearly or make sounds.

• Face turning blue or losing consciousness.

First Aid actions if the victim is still conscious:

Infants under 1 year old:

1. Lay the baby face down along the rescuer’s arm, with the head lower than the body, and hold the baby securely.

2. Using the other hand, give five back blows between the shoulder blades.

3. Turn the baby onto their back and check if the object has been expelled. If visible, remove it carefully without pushing it further in.

4. If the baby continues to show signs of choking, place two fingers in the centre of the chest and perform five chest thrusts.

5. Repeat back blows and chest thrusts alternately until the object is expelled or the baby becomes unconscious.

Children aged 1 to 12 years:

1. Ask if the victim can speak or cough.

2. If they can still cough, encourage repeated strong coughing to expel the object.

3. If the cough is weak or they cannot cough, deliver five back blows between the shoulder blades with the head positioned lower.

4. If unsuccessful, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich Manoeuvre) below the navel until the object is expelled.

5. If the object is visible in the mouth, remove it carefully without pushing it further in.

If the victim is unconscious and not breathing:

1. Lay the victim on the floor.

2. Open the airway using the head tilt-chin lift technique.

3. Check the victim’s mouth and remove any visible object.

4. If the victim is still not breathing after the object is removed, give rescue breaths by blowing into their mouth for one second.

5. Observe chest movement after rescue breaths.

6. Perform chest compressions if necessary.

First Aid Training

The public is encouraged to undergo first aid training as it may help save lives. With the right knowledge, individuals can act more confidently and effectively in emergency situations.

Preventive Measures

Prevention is more important than treatment. Ensure food is given in appropriate sizes and chewed properly. Prevent children from playing or joking while eating. The safety of children is the responsibility of the adults around them.

-- BERNAMA

Assoc Prof (C) Dr Shahrul Nizam Ahmad Zamzali is Consultant Emergency Physician at KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital.