Toddler Choking On Food: Police Bodycam Footage Captures Swift Action

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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The Incident: A Detailed Account from the Bodycam Footage

The Initial Call and Officer's Arrival

The emergency call came in at 2:17 PM, reporting a toddler choking on food at a local park. The dispatcher described a frantic mother reporting her 2-year-old son was struggling to breathe and turning blue. Officer Miller, the closest responding officer, arrived within three minutes. The bodycam footage shows the officer sprinting towards the distressed mother and child.

• 2:17 PM: Emergency call received.
• 2:20 PM: Officer Miller arrives on the scene.
• Visible signs of distress: The toddler was visibly pale, gasping for air, and making choking sounds.

The Officer's Life-Saving Intervention

Officer Miller immediately assessed the situation and, without hesitation, performed the Heimlich maneuver on the toddler. The bodycam footage clearly shows the officer's calm but decisive actions. He administered five back blows followed by five abdominal thrusts.

• Back blows: Firmly striking the toddler between the shoulder blades.
• Abdominal thrusts: Using the Heimlich maneuver technique adjusted for a toddler’s size.
• Speed and efficiency: The officer's quick thinking and efficient execution of the Heimlich maneuver were critical.

The Successful Outcome and Aftermath

After several attempts, a piece of food dislodged, and the toddler began to breathe normally. The footage shows the relief on the mother's face as her child started crying. Paramedics arrived shortly after and transported the toddler to the hospital for observation. He was released later that day, fully recovered. The incident highlights the importance of immediate medical attention even after successful dislodging of the obstruction.

• Full recovery: The child made a full recovery after the incident.
• Hospital observation: A precautionary measure to ensure no lasting effects.
• Follow-up: The officer followed up with the family the next day.

Understanding Toddler Choking Hazards

Common Choking Hazards for Toddlers

Toddlers are naturally curious and prone to putting various objects in their mouths, leading to potential choking incidents. Some of the most common choking hazards include:

• Grapes: Whole grapes are a significant choking hazard due to their round shape and smooth surface. Always cut grapes in half lengthwise.
• Hot dogs: Hot dogs are notoriously difficult for toddlers to chew and swallow safely. Always cut them into small, thin, lengthwise pieces.
• Popcorn: Popcorn kernels are small and can easily block a toddler's airway.
• Nuts: Peanuts, almonds, and other nuts are very dangerous choking hazards for toddlers due to their size and hard texture.
• Hard candies: Hard candies can get lodged in the throat, causing a serious choking hazard.

Safe Food Practices for Toddlers

Preventing toddler choking requires proactive measures:

• Cut food into small, manageable pieces: Ensure all food served is cut into bite-sized pieces that are easy to chew and swallow.
• Avoid hard, sticky, or round foods: Stay away from whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, nuts, popcorn, and hard candies until the toddler is older and able to chew them effectively.
• Supervise toddlers while eating: Never leave a toddler unsupervised while they are eating.
• Properly prepare food: Avoid foods that are too large, too hard or too sticky to chew. Cook vegetables until they are soft.

For more information, refer to resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics [link to AAP resource].

Responding to a Choking Toddler: First Aid and Emergency Procedures

Performing the Heimlich Maneuver on a Toddler

The Heimlich maneuver is a life-saving technique for dislodging food obstructing a person's airway. For toddlers, the technique is slightly modified:

• Position: Place the toddler face down across your lap or thigh, supporting their head and neck.
• Back blows: Give up to five firm back blows between the toddler's shoulder blades.
• Chest thrusts: If back blows are ineffective, use chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. Place two fingers in the center of the chest just below the nipple line and give quick, upward thrusts.
• Repeat: Alternate between back blows and chest thrusts until the obstruction is cleared.

It is crucial to learn how to perform the Heimlich maneuver correctly. Consider taking a first aid course.

When to Call Emergency Services

Call emergency services immediately if:

• The toddler is unable to breathe, cough, or speak.
• The toddler is turning blue or losing consciousness.
• The obstruction is not cleared after attempting the Heimlich maneuver.
• You are unsure of how to perform the Heimlich maneuver properly.

Post-Choking Care

Even after the obstruction is cleared, it's crucial to monitor the toddler's breathing and seek immediate medical attention if any breathing difficulties persist. Following the incident, take the toddler to a doctor for a checkup.

Conclusion

This article highlighted a life-saving intervention captured on police bodycam footage, emphasizing the importance of swift action when a toddler is choking on food. Understanding common choking hazards and knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver are crucial skills for every parent and caregiver. Learning how to prevent toddler choking and responding effectively to choking incidents is crucial. Share this article and spread awareness about the dangers of toddler choking and the life-saving importance of quick action. Learn toddler choking prevention techniques and familiarize yourself with toddler first aid procedures to keep your little ones safe.