A common myth or misconception with first aid and choking is that, when people are trained in how to deal with a choking emergency they go away thinking it will always work and that is all that they will need.
Choking Tips
When having a first aid class delivered to you, trainers do not explain how effective choking BLS protocol actually is which leads to people thinking it is 100% effective, when sadly this is nowhere near the case.
Choking can be prevented. Food accounts for over 50% of choking episodes. Be alert for small objects that can cause choking, such as coins, buttons, and small toys. Check under furniture and between cushions for small items that children could find and put in their mouths.
Foods that are classed as a choking risk are things such as grapes, marshmallows, hard boiled sweets, chewy sweets such as Haribo and hotdogs.
It is always recommended to cut food up for children, for example you would not give a whole grape to a child as these are a “perfect” size to block their airway, it is recommended to cut grapes in at least half. Infants, children and young people with a neurodisability and those born prematurely are most likely to be at risk of dysphagia, but feeding difficulties also occur in typically developing children.
Toys are designed to be used by children within a certain age range. Age guidelines take into account the safety of a toy based on any possible choking hazard. Small toys such as bouncy balls, pens caps, marbles and toys that have small parts are best kept away from children as they learn texture and taste in their developing process by putting items in their mouth. Most toys come with an age recommendation on the outer packaging, this to prevent the risk of choking. Don’t let young children play with toys designed for older children. Latex balloons are also a choking hazard. If a child bites a balloon and takes a breath, he could suck it into his airway.
Be Aware That People Who Suffer From Disabilities Are Also At High Risk Of Choking
People that suffer from Neurological Diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, ALS and Alzheimer’s disease are all susceptible to developing dysphagia.
Choking in the care sector is often referred to as the “silent killer” and a carers worst fear. To understand why we must understand the risks around choking in the care sector and why the elderly/vulnerable community are at such high risk of choking.
Choking is one of the leading causes of accidental death in adults over the age of 65, this is due to many reasons and the most common are Dysphagia, lack of saliva from side effects due to medications being taken and physical disabilities where someone may rely on a wheelchair for everyday activities.
In fact, people over 65 years of age have seven times higher risk for choking on food than children aged 1–4 years of age.
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