Pediatrician Reveals Life-Saving Choking Maneuvers Every Parent Must Know

In a recent viral video, pediatrician Dr. Mike Milobsky, a father of seven, shared critical insights into managing childhood choking emergencies, emphasizing that this skill is paramount for every parent. Dr. Milobsky highlighted the severe risks of delayed intervention, stating that by the time emergency services arrive, irreversible damage could occur. "There is one main skill and piece of knowledge that every parent needs to save your child's life at home, and that is how to manage choking," Dr. Milobsky asserted. He recounted a personal experience where he saved his own fifth child from choking on a pizza crust at home, underscoring the real-world applicability of these techniques. Using a wooden bear model, Dr. Milobsky demonstrated three vital steps. Firstly, he warned against blindly sticking a finger into a child's mouth, explaining that a child's airway is funnel-shaped, potentially pushing the object further down. Secondly, for a child who is choking but still making sounds, he advised allowing them to continue coughing. If sounds cease and the child cannot cough, immediate, firm back blows between the shoulder blades are necessary. "Hit them hard as if you were abusing them," he stressed, emphasizing the force required. Lastly, if back blows are ineffective, he instructed parents to perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) by placing a fist two fingers below the breastbone and pushing inward and upward with significant force. Dr. Milobsky also provided a crucial prevention tip: "Please do not let your children walk and eat." He noted that almost all choking incidents he has witnessed, including the one in his own home, occurred when children were not sitting still while eating. He urged parents to watch other educational videos on the topic to reinforce these life-saving skills.

Newsweek

yesterday

Pediatrician saved choking daughter's life, shares one skill "parents need"

Dr. Michael Milobsky told Newsweek: "I don't think parents necessarily think of choking until it happens to them in their home."