Child Choking: A Quick Guide for Singapore Parents
- 06 May 2025
Choking is one of the most frightening emergencies a parent can face. It happens suddenly and can turn serious within seconds. Singaporean children are often cared for by parents, grandparents, or domestic helpers, therefore, knowing how to respond to a choking emergency is not just helpful — it’s essential.
Whether your child is enjoying fish balls at a hawker centre, playing with small toys at home, or attending childcare, choking can happen anytime. Here’re 5 steps to save your child from choking that every parent and caregiver in Singapore should know:
1. Recognising Choking in Children
Young children cannot tell when they’re choking, so it’s important to know what to look for:
- Sudden silence or inability to cry
- Clutching the throat
- Lips or face turning pale or blue
- A panicked, distressed expression
Choking is especially common among toddlers when eating foods like grapes, hot dogs, or fish balls — all popular in Singaporean households.
2. Avoid Blind Finger Sweeps in Choking
Never use your fingers to dig inside your child’s mouth unless you can see the object clearly. Blind finger sweeps are risky and may push the object deeper, blocking the airway further.
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3. Performing Chest Thrusts to Relieve ChokingDelivering chest thrusts can clear the obstruction and restore the child’s breathing. Remember to consider the age of the child carefully before conducting, as the steps are different for a child over 1 year old and infants. If Your Child Is Over 1 Year Old:If your child is choking but still conscious:
Repeat until the object is expelled or the child becomes unconscious. Call 995 immediately if the child is unresponsive or the choking continues. Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers are trained to handle such emergencies, but your quick action is the first line of defence. If It Is an Infant Under 1 Year Old:
Alternate back blows and chest thrusts until the object comes out or the baby becomes unresponsive. |
4. Medical Follow-Up After a Choking Incident
Even if your child seems okay after choking, bring them to a GP or nearest polyclinic. Small food particles or objects may still be lodged in the airway and can cause complications later.
Choking Prevention Tips for Singapore Parents
- Cut foods like grapes, cherry tomatoes, or hot dogs into small pieces.
- Keep coins, buttons, and toy parts out of reach.
- Supervise meal times, especially when children are eating in strollers, on the go, or during play.
Be Prepared: Join Our Child First Aid Course in Singapore
Many parents and caregivers only learn how to respond after an incident has already happened. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Protect the little ones in your care! Join our Child First Aid course today — and gain the skills that save lives.
