Most Common Holiday Choking Hazards

1. Small toys and parts –  Many toys come with small pieces that can quickly become hazardous for younger children or pets.
2. Holiday foods – Small food items like nuts, hard candies, popcorn, grapes, and chunks of meat or cheese are choking hazards for young kids.
3. Ornaments and decorations – Small ornaments and other festive decor can easily be picked up and swallowed by curious children.
4. Latex balloons – Deflated or popped balloons are a leading choking hazard for children and can completely block the airway.
5. Button batteries – Disc batteries in addition to being a choking hazard can cause injury if swallowed.

 

Tips For Identifying Holiday Choking Hazards

• Get down on your child’s eye level. 
• Inspect toys thoroughly.
• Follow manufacturer age recommendations.
• Supervise meals and snacks.
• Inspect the floor frequently.
• Secure decorative items.
• Look for hazards when visiting relatives.
• Educate older siblings.

 

What To Do If Your Child Chokes

If the child can inhale or exhale, encourage them to continue coughing. If they’re unable to speak or cough, follow these steps:

1. Stand behind the child (kneel for a smaller child).
2. Reach around and locate the navel. Make a fist with the other hand and place it thumb-side against the abdomen, just above the navel and below the ribs. Grasp your fist with the other hand.
3. Quickly thrust inward and upward into the abdomen.
4. Continue thrusting until the object is expelled and the child can breathe normally or becomes unresponsive.

If the child becomes unresponsive, call 911 and begin CPR starting with compressions.

 

Choking Relief For Infants

Infants require a different approach to choking emergencies. If the infant is responsive, follow these steps:

1. Kneel or sit with the infant in your lap. Hold the infant facedown over your       forearm with legs straddled and with the head lower than the chest. Support the head by holding the jaw. Rest your forearm on your lap or thigh to support the infant.
2. Using the heel of the other hand, give up to five forceful back slaps between       the shoulder blades.
3. Turn the infant over, supporting their head. Place two fingertips on the       breastbone just below the nipple line and give up to five chest thrusts.
4. Repeat the sequence of back slaps and chest thrusts until the infant can breathe or becomes unresponsive.

If the infant becomes unresponsive, call 911 and begin CPR starting with compressions.

 

KEEP THE HOLIDAYS SAFE

By being proactive about identifying risks, taking simple precautions, and learning how to respond in emergencies, you can ensure your family’s holiday celebrations remain safe.

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