How should you assist a child who is choking on an object?

Assisting a child who is choking requires a careful understanding of the body's natural responses. Allowing the child to cough is a critical course of action because coughing is the body's natural way of trying to expel an object that is obstructing the airway. This response can often clear the obstruction without necessitating further intervention.

When a child is able to cough, it indicates that there is still some air passage, and they are capable of generating pressure to dislodge the object. Encouraging them to continue coughing is safer than intervening with methods that could cause further injury or complications. It's essential to keep them calm, as panicking or making the situation worse can hinder their ability to cough or breathe effectively.

This approach prioritizes the child's natural instincts and preserves their airway, promoting the best possible chance of safely removing the choking hazard. In situations where the coughing is ineffective or the child cannot breathe, other emergency measures would then be considered, such as the Heimlich maneuver, but in instances where coughing is possible, it is the recommended immediate response.