Prevention of suffocation accidents
Some deaths by suffocation are caused by seizures, but the majority of them occur in connection with eating. Intoxication increases the risk of suffocation. If someone at the table suddenly starts choking and seems unable to speak or breathe, act quickly (see First Aid Instructions of the Red Cross).
You can reduce the risk of suffocation by focusing on eating, eating small enough pieces at a time and chewing carefully.
To prevent children’s suffocation accidents, it is important to pay attention to the safety of toys and to follow the age recommendations on the toy’s packing. Keep small objects out of the reach of small children and teach older children to keep their toys containing small parts out of the reach of younger children. You should also keep plastic bags and films out of the reach of children.
To avoid the risk of suffocation, the baby should be put to sleep their back. Also teach the child to sit still while eating from a young age. Ensure that children do not play with any strings or ropes and that your child does not play in climbing structures or swings with a bicycle helmet on. Above all, children should always be supervised.
Helping a suffocating adult
Identify the situation and act quickly. Stand behind the person you want to help and bend their upper body downwards. Hit them hard between the shoulder blades 5 times. If this does not work, call 112. Next, perform the Heimlich manoeuvre. Place your hand around their diaphragm with your lower hand in a fist, and place the other hand on top of it. Pull quick and hard towards yourself five times. Continue administering first aid by aiming another five hits between their shoulder blades and by another five pulls. If the person becomes unresponsive, start CPR. You can find instructions for helping a suffocating adult, child or baby by clicking the attached links below.
To avoid suffocation accidents
- Eat and feed easy-to-swallow foods.
- Supervise children’s playtime and ensure that their toys have no small and detachable parts.
- Identify a person at risk of suffocation.
- Learn how to administer first aid in case of suffocation.
- Help the suffocating person, do not stay idle.
Read more
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Intoxicants
Under the influence of alcohol, the likelihood of accidents increases: judgment deteriorates, and impulsiveness and risk-taking rise. Substance use heightens the risk of poisoning, fire, drowning, falls, choking, and sports-relate…
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Safety Checklists
Home, cabin, and child safety can be improved with small changes. Using safety checklists, you can assess how safe your environment is. You can also share the results of the tests on social media.
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