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WHAT  IS  SUFFOCATION?

 

Suffocation occurs when the body cannot breathe in the amount of oxygen it needs. This may be because the airway is blocked, because the inhaled air is low in oxygen or because the air contains contaminants that affect the ability of the blood to absorb oxygen. Blockage of the airway is the most common cause of suffocation in children.

 

• Smothering can occur when the nose and mouth are covered. 
• A child can be suffocated by strangulation, where the airway is squeezed by a tight band around the neck. 
• The airway can also be blocked by choking, where a small object or morsel of food is inhaled into the windpipe. 
• Children may also be at risk of being suffocated by lack of air if they climb or fall into confined space, such as car boots. 
• Smoke or fumes, such as those caused by a house fire, may cause a child to be suffocated. Carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas given off by inadequately serviced gas heaters is also a potential hazard. 

Preventing suffocation

 

Most causes of suffocation in children are preventable. If you are aware of the dangers, there are many things you can do to help keep your child safe.

 

• Remove hood cords and drawstrings from clothing to prevent playground accidents. 
• Remove ribbons and strings from toys, and never attach toys or dummies to your child with string. 
• Keep out of reach all cords for curtains and window blinds, especially those with loops.
• If you have a toy box, remove the lid, or make sure that it is not airtight, in case your child falls in. 
• To avoid choking, keep small objects out of reach, check toys for detachable parts and supervise your child while he eats. 
• Never allow your child to play with a deflated balloon or a plastic bag. 

Safe sleeping

 

Sadly, every year some babies die by suffocation in the very place where they should be safest - their own beds. Following the official guidelines on sleep safety should help to reduce the risk of this terrible tragedy.

 

·        Lay your baby to sleep on his back on a firm mattress. 

·        Make sure your baby is in the feet to foot position. This is where his feet touch the foot of the cot and prevents him wriggling under the covers.

·        Make sure the mattress fits the cot, with no spaces around the edges where your baby may become wedged. 

·        The cot bars should be less than 5cm (2in) apart to avoid your baby's head or body being trapped. 

·        Do not place pillows, a duvet or sheepskin in the cot. These can cause overheating and increase the risk of suffocation. 

·        Remove your baby's bib before laying him down.

 

Your baby's feet should be at the foot of the cot and the covers should reach no fighter than his shoulders.

 

First aid for smoke or fume inhalation

 

Smoke and fumes may contain toxic vapours or tiny particles, which can harm the delicate lining of the lungs. Carbon monoxide, which stops the blood from taking up oxygen, is particularly dangerous because it is colorless and has no smell. If your child has been exposed to smoke and fumes take immediate action.

 

Quickly remove your child from the source of the smoke or fumes. Take great care - you cannot help your child if you are overcome by smoke yourself. 

Once in the fresh air, your child will probably be able to clear his lungs with deep breaths and may need no further help. He should see a doctor to check that there has been no lung damage. 

If your child is unconscious but breathing, place him in the recovery position. Call for an ambulance and stay by your child’s side to monitor his condition. 

If your child is not breathing, you should attempt mouth-to­ mouth resuscitation and continue to administer this until the ambulance arrives. 

First aid for smothering or strangulation

 

     Most cases of suffocation by smothering or strangulation occur in the home. Children have been smothered by soft bedding, plastic bags over the head and deflated balloons in the mouth. Strangulation may happen as a child slips while climbing out of a cot, or wriggles through bars that are too narrow for his head. Occasionally, clothing, and especially drawstrings around the neck, may catch on playground equipment. 

 

Quickly remove any object that is smothering him. Remove or cut away any constricting band around the neck while supporting his body. 

If you have found your child hanging, his spine may be damaged. Move him as little as possible to prevent further injury. 

Send or shout for help immediately. 

Check to see if your child is breathing. If not, attempt mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. 

If your child is breathing but unconscious, place him in the recovery position. 

Call for an ambulance. Even if your child seems to be unharmed, it is essential that he is examined by a doctor.       

 

If you find your child being smothered or strangled, quickly remove the offending object while supporting his body. If he is not breathing, attempt resuscitation and call an ambulance.

 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.