29/05/2026
F I R S T | A I D | F R I D A Y S đź’š
Episode 1 - Choking Part 1
First up, do you know the difference between gagging and choking?
Gagging can be noisy - coughing, spluttering etc. their eyes might water and they may be quite flushed in colour.
Choking is silent. If the airway is blocked then no air can get in and no air can come out so no sound can be made. Which is why it’s SO important that children are supervised when eating!
The child will look panicked, pale and their lips will start to turn blue (cyanosis). This can be more difficult to notice in black and brown skin but you can have a look inside their mouth as their tongue will start to go a purple colour.
If you think your child is choking then you need to perform the first aid - 5 BACK BLOWS AND 5 CHEST THRUSTS
A back blow is called a blow for a reason.
We’re not talking little pats.
We are trying to force the air up and out to try and dislodge the blockage.
Administer up to 5 back blows.
If after the 5th the blockage hasn’t come out then move on to 5 CHEST THRUSTS.
Use the hands to encircle the body and the thumbs naturally fall in the centre of the chest.
Administer up to 5 chest thrusts, checking in the mouth after each one.
If the blockage hasn’t come out after the 5th chest thrust then go back to the back blows.
After one round of 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts and the blockage hasn’t come out then phone 999
Keep cycling the 5 & 5 until the blockage hasn’t come out or the child has lost consciousness.
If they lose consciousness then start CPR.
I hope this was helpful, let me know in the comments!!
Come back next week for Choking Part 2!
Firstaidfridays
