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Sadie Robertson’s Daughter’s Choking Incident Highlights the Life-Saving Skill Every Family Should Know

picture of Sadie Robertson smiling

Health & Wellness

Jose Rodriguez

Nurse Manager, Pediatric Emergency Room

When news spreads about a frightening moment like Duck Dynasty star Sadie Robertson sharing a choking scare involving her 8-month-old daughter, it reminds us how quickly everyday situations can turn into emergencies. The good news is that knowing a few simple steps can help you act fast and possibly save a life.

Recognizing Choking

Choking happens when something blocks the airway. Signs include:

  • Can’t speak or cry
  • Weak or no coughing
  • Hands at the throat
  • Blue lips or skin
  • Trouble breathing

A person who’s choking may look scared at first, but can quickly pass out if the airway is fully blocked.

If the person is coughing strongly, let them keep coughing and watch closely. If they can’t breathe, speak, or cough, act right away.

What to Do for a Choking Baby Under a Year Old

  • Hold the baby face down on your forearm.
  • Support the head and neck and keep the head lower than the chest.
  • Give five firm back blows between the shoulder blades.
  • If the object doesn’t come out, turn the baby face up.
  • Give five chest thrusts using two fingers in the center of the chest.
  • Repeat five back blows and five chest thrusts until the object comes out or the baby becomes unresponsive.
  • Don’t give abdominal thrusts to a baby.

What to Do for Choking Children Older than a year and Adults

If the person is awake but can’t breathe:

  • Stand behind them.
  • Give five back blows between the shoulder blades.
  • If that doesn’t work, wrap your arms around their waist.
  • Make a fist and place it just above the belly button.
  • Grab your fist with your other hand.
  • Give quick, upward thrusts.
  • Keep going with five back blows and five thrusts until the object comes out or the person becomes unresponsive.

For pregnant individuals or people with larger body size, give chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts.

If the person becomes unresponsive:

  • Lower them to the ground.
  • Call 9-1-1 if you haven’t already.
  • Start CPR with chest compressions.
  • Before giving breaths, look in the mouth.
  • Remove the object only if you can clearly see it.
  • Don’t sweep your finger in the mouth if you don’t see anything.

Prevention Tips for Children

  • Cut food into small pieces for children.
  • Avoid high-risk foods like whole grapes, hot dogs, nuts, popcorn, and hard candy.
  • Always supervise young children while they’re eating.
  • Make sure children sit while eating, no running or playing with food.
  • Teach children to chew their food well and eat slowly.
  • Keep small objects like coins, buttons, batteries, and toy parts out of reach.
  • Follow age recommendations on toys and avoid small parts.
  • Learn basic choking rescue skills and CPR as a caregiver.

Most choking emergencies in children are preventable with close supervision and safe habits.

When it comes to your child, there’s no such thing as overreacting. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Toglenn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons