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ROYAL LIFE SAVING

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Choking – Child

If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency please contact Triple Zero (000) immediately

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Introduction

Children are particularly vulnerable to choking due to their smaller airways and natural tendency to place objects in their mouths. Everyday items such as food, toys, and household objects can present risks. Choking in children can escalate rapidly, making it a frightening but important emergency to understand. Awareness of the risks helps parents, carers, and educators create safer environments for children.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Difficulty or noisy breathing 

  • Unable to cry, speak, or cough 

  • Blue lips, face, or collapse

What you should do?

  • Follow DRSABCD 

  • Call 000 immediately if severe 

  • For children: give up to 5 back blows with heel of hand 

  • If not successful, give up to 5 chest thrusts 

  • Repeat sequence until obstruction cleared 

  • If unresponsive, begin CPR immediately

These fact sheets are provided by Royal Life Saving to support public, workplace, school, and community education. They must be used in their full and current format and are not permitted for commercial purposes unless written approval is obtained. The information is not a substitute for accredited First Aid training, and users are encouraged to complete recognised courses and refresh their skills regularly. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, Royal Life Saving does not accept responsibility for how the material is applied, and users should always check they are referring to the latest version. Use of this content does not imply endorsement or partnership, and Royal Life Saving may request that use of its materials cease if considered inappropriate or unauthorised.

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