To remind people how important paediatric first aid is to learn

[achootigersmall]

My 3 year old just choked on apple properly lodged. If it wasn't for my first aid training kicking in, getting him over my arm and doing the back pats I don't know what would of happened. It dislodged and flew out but I don't think I've taken a breath yet.
He's running around like nothing's happened.
I did a free (suggested donation) Millie's trust course in pregnancy and it was the best thing I've ever done.
Can never be too careful when it comes to kids.

Glad he's ok. I've only dealt with a choking child once at work and I felt awful myself after, think it was the adrenaline.

Give yourself a cuppa and a sit down.

I agree, it's massively important. Chances are it's unlikely to be needed but it's better to know what to do.

Knowing how to deal with choking is so important. I know the Nct and Red Cross run courses.

Totally agree. A lot of life-saving first aid is really simple and basic (like patting someone hard on the back) but without training it is shocking how many people just stand around or panic. Training puts the right thing in your mind at the right time so you can react quickly.

Really glad your little one is OK btw - you must have had an awful shock. Have something really sugary - it will help!

Emergency med is so interesting and useful.

I am part of a wilderness med society and they run training scenarios for us with full props and make-up. I used to flap so much but now i know how to do things, I'm more useful in emergencies.

Weird tips: if someone has nicked an artery and you can't stop it with a hand, put your knee on it and lean your bodyweight. This can save a life! If someone has frostbite, never rub the feet to warm them up, as this spreads it around the body; ibuprofen works well for frostbite, and put their feet under your armpits for warmth.

Also, if you need mountain rescue you call the police first via 999, then ask for MR.

Quite specific, but i find it all fascinating.

British Red Cross website has two first aid apps that are free to download. One is general first aid and the other is specifically babies and children. Both are easy to use and have videos and self tests. Recommend that everyone with phones/iPads etc have a look and spent a couple of hours working through the different scenarios.

The St John Ambulance app is also very good

Thank you guys
There's a lot of great first aid courses/info videos out there.
I think it's so incredibly important.
The thoughts going through my head at the time of what if I can't get it out and that's with training.
It was out quite quickly but I'm still shaking.
He's absolutely fine, dreading him eating again though.

I second your reminder, OP.

DS1 choked completely and went blue whilst eating a piece of apple. He was about 18m old and it was terrifying (and completely silent, if I'd not been looking at him when it happened I dread to think what would have happened).

Literally the previous week, I'd been off work so I took DS along to my old baby & toddler group to say hi and catch up with a couple of friends who still went along with their toddlers. The session was different that week as they'd got someone in to run a baby and toddler first aid course for everyone. I am so glad I'd been there, as I'd have done all the wrong things otherwise. As it was, somehow I managed to be completely calm and think right I know this, this is what I need to do... And it worked perfectly. Thank god. Then I collapsed sobbing and shaking at the thought of what had just almost happened!

My little one (1.5) started suddenly roaring crying with a strawberry in her mouth, I started to panic knowing that her massive inhales were dangerous but couldn't get her to stop but sure enough she inhaled it and stopped breathing. It it horrifying but I did get it to projectile out with firm pats etc.

Horrible horrible feeling.

Absolutely terrifying isn't it
So glad both your little ones are okay!