Little one choked at lunch today - and I mean honestly choked, as in could neither cough nor breathe.
It's happened maybe twice before. Usually a thump or two in that head-down position brings the food right up and we continue on our way.
Not this time. Her face was getting red-purple and darkening, and nothing was happening. I couldn't get the food up and I didn't dare increase the force I was using any further. I thought of 911 and how I was without a car and how an amublance, though fast, probably wouldn't get here in time (~3 or 4 minutes at the speediest, by my best reckoning). For the first time ever, I thought I might really lose her.
This is how it happens, OMG, I thought. Little kids really die from this! I shifted her weight so I could get the phone, and something about the way I moved her must have helped because the food suddenly dislodged and landed on the floor. It amazed me how quickly she went from that angry purple-red color to pink and then back to normal. She even grinned at me not 30 seconds later, like "See? I'm ok."
She might be, but it's gonna take a good hour or so before I stop shaking.
I know that almost every little kid chokes at some point (she has before, though not quite to this extent, as I mentioned), but there's nothing like understanding that your child cannot breathe and you may not be able to help her in time despite your best efforts.
She's getting tons of extra hugs and kisses today, and now I have something else to underline that you should NEVER take a minute for granted with your loved ones. Overdramatic? Maybe - but you weren't there. ;-) I feel so grateful that she's running around right this minute, because it could have been different.
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the_infernal_optimist posted on Nov 02, 2006
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Comments
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silverwhisper said on Nov 02, 2006....
i cannot imagine the stark terror that was running through you in those moments. whew!
ed
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secretlife said on Nov 02, 2006....
Do you know how to do the heimlich maneuver on children? This is something every parent should be taught-- there are special techinques for babies vs toddlers vs older children.I took a first aid class at the county college as part of all of my pregnancies -- and i wish hopitals would inlclude this simple training as part of childbirth.Children die from choking every day.I had a 4 yr old nephew who choked on a plastic ball -- they type you get out of a bubble-gum machine at the supermarket. Patrick was fooling around, had the ball in his mouth, and accidentally swallowed it.It lodged in his throat. Neither my brother in law nor my sister in law knew the maneuver. And neither could dislodge the ball in time. 911 was called, but it took them 6 minutes to get to the house, and by that time the boy was gone....There is nothing sadder. Nothing.Infernal, I can only imagine how frightened you were today. If you haven't already, check out some local first aid program. They only take a few hours, and can truly save the life of your child. -
the_infernal_optimist said on Nov 02, 2006....
Thanks, SL - I was once certified in infant/child CPR as part of a Red Cross program, and with that came a comprehensive first-aid course, but I could definitely use a refresher.
I agree that every parent should know basic first aid techniques, and I'm lucky that what I did know was enough (by chance).
I think I'll enroll myself and my DH in the near future - and probably sign up for adult CPR/first aid as well, because it might not be my child who needs my help one day.
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your nephew - to lose a child is tragic any way it happens, but to lose a child who *might* have been saved if proper first aid was done...well, I can't imagine the grief that would cause, not to mention the potential guilt!
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secretlife said on Nov 02, 2006....
Infernal, what did she choke on? I remember being given a worksheet when i took my first aid course of the foods most likely to cause choking in children. I can only recall popcorn, peanuts and grapes as danger foods......Partrick died 5 years ago.It was a horrible time in the family.There truly are no words to comfort, and this type of thing changes people forever.Yes, when you think how he *might* have been saved, you feel sick in your soul...Anyway, kiss your angel and squeeze her tight, and thank God you're both ok. -
the_infernal_optimist said on Nov 02, 2006....
SL, she choked on a small piece of meatloaf - very tender, not the outer part or anything, and she's had it several times before. I was stunned because I thought it was safe.
Those foods make sense that they're hazardous - I think I'll see if I can find an online list like that, because there may be some that I'm not aware of (though I'd like to think I'm on the cautious side).
She got lots of cuddles...and thank you for discussing it with me. I respect your input and wisdom. I just wish your family didn't have firsthand experience.
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goldengoddess said on Nov 03, 2006....
I have two boys and your right it always happens, atleast once. Thank God it came out. A friend of my mothers,had a grandson that choked on a piece of a balloon that had popped. He didn;t make it. He was four i believe. I no longer have water balloons at our birthdays. Better safe than devestated. -
Alyss said on Nov 03, 2006....
Am very relieved for you both that it cleared. {hugs} for your frightening experience.
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