Mini PFA Refresher: Choking (Baby and Child)

Choking First Aid for Babies and Children – Early Years Paediatric First Aid Mini Refresher.
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Course Contents

A focused Paediatric First Aid mini refresher for early years practitioners, covering how to recognise choking, respond safely for babies and children, and know when to escalate and call emergency services.
  • 1. Introduction to Choking in Early Years: Explains the purpose of the refresher and reinforces that it supports confident recall for PFA-certified practitioners.
  • 2. Why Choking Is a Serious Emergency: Builds understanding of why choking is life-threatening, often silent, and requires immediate action.
  • 3. Choking vs Gagging: Helps practitioners confidently distinguish between normal gagging and dangerous choking.
  • 4. Signs of Severe Choking: Supports early recognition of severe choking through physical and behavioural indicators.
  • 5. Partial and Complete Airway Obstruction: Explains how to identify partial versus complete obstruction and respond appropriately.
  • 6. Immediate Response to Choking: Reinforces calm, decisive first actions when a child cannot clear an obstruction.
  • 7. Back Blows for Babies and Children: Guides correct use of back blows as the first physical intervention.
  • 8. Chest Thrusts for Babies Under One Year: Clarifies safe, age-appropriate chest thrust techniques for infants.
  • 9. Abdominal Thrusts for Children Over One Year: Explains when and how to use abdominal thrusts safely for older children.
  • 10. When to Call Emergency Services: Strengthens decision-making around escalation and contacting 999 without delay.
  • 11. If a Child Becomes Unconscious: Reinforces correct action, including CPR and avoiding unsafe techniques.
  • 12. After the Incident: Covers communication with parents, recording, and follow-up responsibilities.
  • 13. Choking Prevention in Early Years Settings: Highlights everyday practices that reduce choking risk during meals and play.
  • 14. Food Play, Supervision and Choking Awareness: Builds awareness of food play risks and the importance of active supervision.
  • 15. Key Messages and Confident Practice: Summarises essential learning points to support confident recall in emergencies.