Distressing video reveals the deadly mistake most parents make when their child is choking

Watching a child choke has to be every parent’s worst nightmare.

A first instinct might be to dive headfirst into your little one’s mouth to get out whatever is clogging their throat.

2

2

But first responders from a parent education group shared a video to show why you shouldn’t put your fingers in a choking child’s mouth.

In the clip, the experts report from Tiny Hearts training can be seen trying to scoop a piece of cucumber out of an anatomy manikin’s neck.

“By blindly sticking your finger in, you can push back even further,” they explained.

Previously, former paramedic and mother Nikki Jurcutz, who runs the site, said the first thing parents should do is call 999.

It’s best to get that step behind you as soon as possible, she explained.

“Call 999 and put the phone on speakerphone so you can have your hands free,” the NHS website says.

She also warned parents not to hang their child upside down if they are choking.

According to the Red Cross the action of tipping her upside down “may also move the object further down her throat”.

What to do if your child chokes

The NHS recommends if you see an object stuck in your child’s mouth be sure to remove it as blind prodding could make the situation worse.

If the child coughs, encourage them to keep coughing as they may be able to pick up the object – don’t leave them alone.

If the cough has no effect (it’s silent or the person can’t breathe properly), call for help right away.

If the child is still conscious, apply back blows.

first responder at St John Ambulance Depending on the age of the child, give the following advice.

infant

1. knock it out:

• Place the baby face down on your thigh and support his head
• Perform five back punches between the shoulder blades
• Turn her over and check her mouth each time

2. Express it:

• Turn the baby face up and support him on your thigh
• Place two fingers in the middle of her chest, just below the nipple line. Push down for up to five powerful chest thrusts
• Check your mouth every time

3. If the item does not detach, call 999 or 112 for assistance

• Take the baby with you when you call
• Repeat steps 1 and 2 until help arrives
• Start CPR if baby becomes unresponsive (loses consciousness)

child

1. Cough it up

• If possible, encourage the victim to continue coughing

2. Blow it out

• Lean them forward and support them with one hand
• Perform five powerful back punches between the shoulder blades
• Check her mouth each time, but don’t put your fingers in her mouth

3. Push it out

• Stand behind him, arms around his waist, with a clenched fist between his belly button and the bottom of his chest
• With the other hand, grasp the fist and pull in and up vigorously, performing up to five abdominal thrusts
• Check her mouth every time