Paramedic shares why you should never stick your fingers in a child’s mouth if they’re choking

A paramedic has revealed why you should never put your fingers in a child’s throat while they’re choking using an informative demonstration.

Tiny Hearts Foundation founder and paramedic Nikki Jurcutz shared the video on TikTok to inform people about the little-known fact. 

‘Getting the food out with your fingers could push it further down,’ she explained, making it even harder to rescue the distressed child. 

Instead back blows and chest thrusts are the only option to be performed on the child, and they are very effective if performed properly.

You shouldn’t put your finger down a choking child’s throat as you could push the object further into the child’s airway. Instead, back blows and chest thrusts should be performed on the child

‘This tube is the size of a child’s airway. If your little one has a complete obstruction, no air can get in or out,’ Ms Jurcutz explained during the demonstration.

‘Getting it out with your fingers could push it down further.

‘Back blows and chest thrusts are your only option and are very effective when done properly.’

Followers of Tiny Hearts Foundation were grateful for the information being shared.

‘This is such a great demonstration to why this is the best method, thank you,’ one follower said.

‘For the first time, I’ve clearly understood the manoeuvre required, due to this brilliant demo. Thank you,’ another said.

‘I’m a nurse and this is the best representation I have ever seen,’ one woman added. 

Followers of the Little Hearts Foundation were very grateful for the advice, ‘for the first time, I’ve clearly understood the manoeuvre required, due to this brilliant demo. Thank you’

Others expressed their deep fear of choking and their own trauma from it.

‘I once choked for like two seconds. It honestly was traumatizing enough. I felt the panic and fear wash over me. Always cut the food for children,’ one TikTok user said.

Another user advised people to always cut fruits: ‘quarter small whole foods, cut in quarters and length wise quarters. You can get away with halves for most blueberries and raspberries.’