To have pointed out choking hazard - or did I not do enough?

[LighthouseTheme]

Just about to get out of my car and young mum was approaching along the pavement, so I waited before opening the door. One little boy lagging a bit behind, so she was turning to him - other smaller boy in pushchair, with a lollipop in his mouth (one of those that is sort of round with a flattened middle and domed top and bottom); he did not have hold of the stick and for all the world looked as though he was close to choking/gagging - squinting his eyes closed and reaching for the stick.

I pointed this out to her (not nastily, before anyone thinks I was) as she drew level, and she turned at me sharply (with a myob expression...) and as she did I noticed a hearing aid on my side. So I pointed towards him, and asked if he was OK. She gave a cursory glance over the handle and said, "he'll be all right", and turned her attention again to the one coming up behind.

My throat closes as I think about it even now (it was yesterday), and I do wish I had been more forceful. What do others think?

(I am way past having a little one, so maybe out of touch....)

Aw - you'll be fine. You can't see everything, and sometimes things can get noticed by someone else. I never would want to be judgemental or seem superior, and that was not the case yesterday; I would have said it to anyone who couldn't see from the angle that I could. It was as simple as that - although some PPs want to make more of a meal of it, which does wind me up a bit.
Not a dragon or interfering busybody, I promise.

Yes to the first aid course. My son would be alive today if somebody around had known basic first aid. I wish more people would interfere tbh.

Why??
I don't care if it's judgemental but it's so dangerous and unnecessary

@endofthelinefinally I'm so sorry 😞 and you're of course correct. I attended paediatric first aid courses and glad I did, not just for my children I would always try and help others. My heart goes out to you.

sometimes this place is bonkers. OP pointed out that a child might be choking on a known choking hazard and she was told she has "issues around choking"

Lollipops are sold so must be fine. Well so are hotdogs and grapes - all known choking hazards to smallies. Should we ban them or maybe just educate parents to be vigilant with them around small children.

I had a friend whose child popped a grape age 3 - took it from the shopping before she had a chance to stash them/cut them. He choked. She and her husband were both doctors and couldn't dislodge - to the point the husband was about to do a tracheotomy and she was calling 999 when they finally got it out.

You did the right thing OP. People are strange.

I am so sorry for what happened, how absolutely awful for you.

I have done First Aid training - adult, children/babies and even companion animal. I would always rush in to help rather than away (within my limits), so even if the little boy had started to actually properly choke, I would not have then washed my hands of it. I suppose most parents should be given the chance to learn the basics; like you say, it could save a life 😔

Thank you @Pallisers . You're quite right, this place really does descend into farce sometimes (and I do rise to the bait, I admit). Thank you for the back-up - and yes, even professional medics can struggle in such a scenario; that must have been terrible.
I am pleased there is some discussion about the topic and maybe some posters have been somewhat educated...? [or not]

So sorry for your loss. I used to give my child peanuts at a young age and thought the ladies telling me that it was dangerous were bonkers as peanuts are smaller than the throat. But then I educated myself and realised I was the bonkers one and I can't believe I was so blasé about it

I'm obsessed about toddlers and lollies a friends child fell while running with a lolly in her mouth pierced her upper palate. She had to have surgery to repair the damage. Apparently my so was deprived as only got a lolly while sitting down lol

Interesting technique! I’ve just binned them - fortunately DS2 didn’t like them anyway.

My daughter choked on a lollipop when she was 2.5. I managed to turn her upside down over my knee and dislodged it with a firm clap on the back. I have since told people about the dangers and will continue to do so. You did the right thing!

Because they enjoyed them and they were taught how to eat them safely from the off, just as they were taught to bite into a grape.

They are still pretty unhealthy as far as teeth are concerned though. Don't you think?

How frightening for both of you! What a relief that you could prevent serious harm.
The thing is (that people are failed to see), I wasn't actually telling her that the lollie was bad (even though of course they are), just that he seemed to be struggling.
I am glad to see that you take a strong stance; it's the right thing to do.