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First-aid for when food, a toy or other object becomes lodged in the throat

A baby or toddler will put things in the mouth that an adult would not. If food, a toy or other object becomes lodged in the throat, there is a risk of suffocation.

Adults around your child should know about what size of object is normally prone to becoming stuck in a baby or toddler's mouth. (At three years of age, the mouth is up to 39 mm wide and the distance from the mouth to the back of the throat is 51 mm. 39 mm is about the diameter of a toilet paper roll.) Carefully check any warnings about handling food or toys. You must also know in advance how to administer first-aid so that you can respond promptly.

* If you stick your finger in the mouth to remove the object, the foreign matter could move even deeper inside.

First-Aid for When an Object Gets Lodged in the Throat

Continue until you remove the foreign object or paramedics arrive and take over.

* Only for childrenage 1 and up

Use instead of chest thrusts and back blows.

Abdominal thrusts (a.k.a. the Heimlich maneuver)

Wrap both arms around the torso from behind and, while holding one hand below the pit of the stomach,

squeeze on the child's belly.

(Supervision) Japan Society of Emergency Pediatrics, Japan Emergency Care Foundation CPR Committee

How to Perform CPR

The basics of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are compressions and artificial respiration. Even just performing artificial respiration is a courageous act that could save a child's life.

If you think there is something wrong with your child, call out for help and commence CPR according to the steps provided below.

(Supervision) Japanese Society of Emergency Pediatrics, Japan Emergency Care Foundation CPR Committee

* Fire departments and other institutions provide classes on first-aid. It's a good idea to take a class because you will be able to act more calmly in an emergency once you are used to the procedure.