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We’ve seen recently in Australia a number of incidents where children have died as a result of strangulation from blind or curtain cords, some advice is offered below, should parents find themselves confronted with such a situation.

While there’s no doubt seeing a child choking is a traumatic experience, basic first aid knowledge has the potential to turn the situation around.

Some of the more common choking hazards can generally be avoided by having a look around your home and removing the danger.

Wherever possible, keep children’s bedding away from windows where blind cords hang loose. Use a hook to secure an extended cord or tie the cord together and store out of reach from toddlers and babies.

Remember these cords and ties all look very enticing to a baby or toddler, with bright colours and some curtain hooks having wooden or plastic components. To a small child these could look like appetising teething toys!

It’s not just window blinds than can be a hazard for choking or strangulation. Computer cables, mobile phone charging cords, totem tennis rope and dental floss can all present dangers to children. Anything larger than a five-cent piece is a potential choking hazard.



The following steps should be followed, should you find your child choking or in the event of strangulation or near choking:

  • Remove danger or item from around child
  • Check for signs of breathing (blue colouring in your child’s face or lips is a quick indication that there is a lack of oxygen)
  • Start CPR (Note: There is a difference between adult CPR and child CPR – watch our video below for tips) if the child is not breathing – call 000 IMMEDIATELY

Supervision and securing hazardous items is the key, it only takes a second for a child to find a small item and place it in their mouth or for kids to create a game where a cord may be involved, and the consequences are dire.

Do a sight-sweep of the house, look at any cords that may be handing loose, even low hanging mobile phone charger cords can be a potential danger and secure these up high and out of sight from little ones.

Educate toddlers and older children of the dangers of choking, explain to them that only drinks and food are to go into their mouths and that cords, ropes and other things are NOT toys. Importantly, tell them if they do find themselves choking, to remain calm, while it may be easier said than done, reinforcing this message can go a long way should a choking incident occur.

Please note, these tips and advice are no substitute for first aid knowledge. A first aid course – especially one dedicated to children’s first aid will equip you with the skills needed in such an emergency and you’ll be grateful you spent the time learning the vital skills.

Have you secured all the cords and choking hazards around your house? Do you have any extra tips to share?

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  • My youngest was one that was always choking on her food. So many times I had to quickly get her out of her highchair and stop her from choking.

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  • Nope, no cords in my home. It’s so important to know first aid when you become a parent, every parent should do a course after the birth of babies

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  • We don’t have cords…check! You can only do so much to remove choking hazards from around the home, you can’t get them all, most you don’t even think about

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  • Very interesting! Thanks for sharing this!

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  • Good reminder as my bub has started moving. We get down on his level and have a look at what he can find, it surprises me the little bits hiding around!

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  • Very important thanks for the read

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  • this is very important everyone should know first aid

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  • looking exellent

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  • everyone should have to take recuss courses every year from primary school up – it is such an important skill

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  • Thanks for the reminder. You can never be too careful when it comes to kids and choking.

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  • I have no window blinds in my home after reading of the choking hazard. So many other hazards out there, always keeping us on our toes for sure

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  • Such good knowledge to have. Thanks so much.

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  • thanks for sharing this :)

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  • As a parent, I find I am vigilant. However, at the grandparents house, I find dangers everywhere. You forget so quickly how innocent and inquisitive young children are. I have to remind them of these dangers.

    Reply

  • A very important article. Thankyou.

    Reply

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