Choking is a serious and potentially life-threatening emergency, especially for infants. If your infant is choking, you must act quickly.
However, some mothers panic whenever their babies start choking on solid foods or liquids.
They seem to go into a nervous breakdown while some may feel completely confused on what to do to save their baby from possible death.
If you fall in this category, worry no more as here are steps you can take to save your infant from choking according to Jetflare Ambulaces.
Jetflare is a leading Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance Coverage service provider.
They operate all round the clock with response times of under 15 minutes.
1. First, assess the situation. If the infant is coughing forcefully, encourage them to keep coughing to try and clear the blockage.
If they are not coughing or making a sound, the airway is likely blocked, and you need to intervene.
2. Hold the infant face down on your forearm, with their head lower than their chest. Support their head and neck with your hand.
3. Give up to five back blows between the infant's shoulder blades with the heel of your other hand. Be firm but gentle. Check the infant's mouth after each blow.
4. If back blows do not dislodge the blockage, turn the infant onto their back and give up to five chest thrusts. Place two fingers just below the nipple line and give quick, upward thrusts.
5. Continue alternating between five back blows and five chest thrusts until the blockage is dislodged or the infant becomes unconscious.
6. If the infant becomes unconscious, carefully lower them to a firm, flat surface and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately. Call emergency services or ask someone else to call while you initiate CPR.
Remember, the most important thing is to act quickly and confidently.
Taking a first aid course can help you learn these life-saving skills and feel more prepared to handle an emergency.
