By Ronald Quaroni

Be wary of choking risk over the holidays

Dec 24, 2018 | 12:41 PM

With the busyness of Christmas, it’s important to keep safety the number one priority.

Choking is one of the main dangers during the holidays for all ages. Kelly Pollock, branch manager with St. John Ambulance in Prince Albert said children need to be supervised to avoid choking hazards. 

“Watch carefully what’s going on. With so much happening; opening gifts and fun times, little ones can sometimes be forgotten while they’re going after those little Lego,” Pollock said. She added everyone should try to avoid talking and laughing too much while chewing food.

She said if you find yourself choking, don’t seclude yourself. Find someone and indicate you need help.

Lyle Karasiuk, director of public affairs with Parkland Ambulance said there are signs to watch for.

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“Somebody sitting there might suddenly have this wide-eyed stare, not making any sound,” Karasiuk said. He said to watch for non-verbal cues with infants. “Wide-eyed stare, blank look, and they’re not going to be breathing. They may be turning blue or grey around the nose and mouth.”

If you find yourself dealing with a person who is choking, encourage them to cough if they can. In some cases, this will be enough to dislodge the object.

If coughing is not helping or they have lost the ability, administer five forceful back blows. If that doesn’t work, administer the Heimlich Maneuver. Step behind the person, reach around with a balled fist, place it above their navel and perform an in-and-up motion until the object is dislodged.

When dealing with a choking infant, take the child belly down in one hand. Tilt so their head is slightly lower than their feet and administer five back blows.

If you’re alone, find a sturdy surface, such as a chair, counter or table to perform abdominal thrusts. If a person worsens or loses consciousness call 9-1-1.

ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni