Swallow CMC’s Advice on Choking Hazards this Holiday Season
‘Tis the season to be jolly—not choking! While we’re all excited to dive into those holiday feasts and unwrap exciting presents, let’s take a moment to talk about keeping your airways as clear as Santa’s flight path.
When Food Goes Down the Wrong Chimney
We’ve all been there: laughing at Uncle Bob’s terrible Christmas jokes while inhaling that perfectly roasted ham. Before you know it, you’re doing an impromptu interpretive dance routine that definitely wasn’t on the holiday program. Holiday foods like nuts, hard candies, and those tempting but treacherous popcorn garlands are common choking culprits.
But what do you do when you’ve taken a too-big bite of Aunt Velma’s famous peanut brittle and find yourself choking? Do you know how to properly perform the Heimlich maneuver?
First Response: Is It Really Choking?
Before jumping into action, assess the situation. Is the person coughing? That’s actually good news! A strong cough is your body’s natural defense mechanism and often the most effective way to clear an obstruction.
If someone is coughing forcefully:
- Encourage them to keep coughing—their body knows what it’s doing.
- Help them bend forward and give them several firm slaps between their shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. This can help dislodge the object while they’re coughing.
However, if you notice the “universal choking sign” (hands clutched to the throat), inability to speak, weak cough, or difficulty breathing, that’s when you need to jump into action with the Heimlich maneuver. Remember: if they can speak, laugh, or breathe effectively, don’t perform the Heimlich—you might cause unnecessary injury.
The Heimlich: Your Holiday Hero Move
For Adults
The Heimlich maneuver is basically a bear hug with a purpose. Here’s how to perform it:
- Stand behind the choking person
- Wrap your arms around their waist
- Make a fist with one hand and place it just above their belly button
- Grasp your fist with your other hand
- Give quick, upward thrusts until the object is expelled
Remember: If someone can speak, cough forcefully, or breathe, don’t perform the Heimlich—let them try to cough it out themselves.
Home Alone? Do a Self-Heimlich
Even if you’re dining solo, you can be your own hero. Here’s how to perform the Heimlich on yourself:
- Make a fist and place it above your belly button
- Grasp your fist with your other hand
- Quickly press your fist inward and upward
- You can also bend over a sturdy chair back, table edge, or counter
- Push your upper belly area against the edge with quick, upward thrusts
- Repeat until the object is dislodged
Pro tip: If you live alone, it’s smart to post your address clearly on your refrigerator and keep your phone handy—just in case you need to call 911.
For Children (Over 1 Year)
The technique is similar to adults, but kneel to reach their height level. Use less force—we’re trying to save them, not launch them into orbit!
For infants under one year:
- Place the baby face down on your forearm
- Give five back blows between the shoulder blades
- Turn them face up and give five chest compressions
- Repeat until the object is dislodged
Dangerous Gifts That Keep on Giving (Anxiety)
Speaking of presents, some holiday toys could be starring in their own choking hazard horror story. Watch out for:
- Small battery-operated devices with removable button batteries
- Toys with small detachable parts
- Marbles and small balls
- Deflated or broken balloons
READ MORE:
Why Are Button Batteries Dangerous?
Although they are tiny, button batteries can cause serious harm to your child. Call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline and visit the emergency department. National Battery Ingestion Hotline: 800-498-8666
When to Race to Conway Medical Center’s Emergency Department
Our Emergency Department isn’t just any ED—we’re #1 in the state for Patient Safety in Trauma Care, according to CareChex by Quantros! Head to our award-winning ED or call 9-1-1 immediately if someone:
- Cannot breathe, cough, or speak
- Is turning blue or gray
- Loses consciousness
- Still has difficulty breathing after the object is removed
- Has persistent pain after choking
Why choose Conway Medical Center’s ED? Because when seconds count, you want the best. Our #1 ranking in the area and state for Patient Safety in Trauma Care means you’re in the safest hands possible when emergencies strike.
Prevention: The Best Gift You Can Give
- Cut foods into small pieces (especially for kids)
- Insist everyone sits down while eating
- Keep hazardous decorations out of reach
- Always supervise young children during meals and playtime
- Check toy age recommendations
- Avoid giving young children round, firm foods
Remember, the best holiday memories are the ones where everyone can breathe easily! Keep these tips in mind, and if trouble strikes, know that Conway Medical Center’s top-ranked Emergency Department is ready to help, 24/7.
Stay safe, and may your holidays be merry, bright, and completely unclogged!
If you have a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.
All content of this article is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based on any content of this article.
