Chandigarh,06-10-2024- organized an awareness drive at the Sukhna Lake on October 6, 2024, to promote the awareness on “ Prevention of choking in children”. The event featured a walkathon and educational skits performed by staff nurses, emphasizing the critical steps that can help prevent choking-related accidents in young children.

The walkathon, which drew participation from about 60 healthcare professionals, parents, and concerned citizens, kicked off early in the morning, symbolizing the collective effort needed to protect children from preventable life-threatening emergencies. The event's highlight was the engaging skit performed by the staff nurses, which depicted real-life scenarios, where quick and informed action could prevent choking hazards. Participants were informed about the types of foods and objects that commonly cause choking in children and how to administer first aid in such situations, including back blows and chest thrusts for infants and abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) for older children.
The Head of the Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care at PGIMER Prof Sandhya Yaddanapudi, said: "Choking is one of the leading causes of accidental injuries in children under five, and it is often avoidable with the awareness and preparedness of family members. Through today’s walkathon and skits, we aim to educate parents, caregivers, and the general public about prevention of choking, recognition of such accidents, as well as the simple life-saving methods that can be used in such emergencies."

Dr Divya Jain, Professor of anaesthesia and Intensive Care, shared that each year, 50-60 children under the age of 5 years are rushed to the paediatric emergency at PGIMER in serious condition after choking. Common objects that cause choking in children include foods like peanuts and other nuts, raw carrots, popcorn and objects like batteries, coins and small toys. This initiative can make parents, caregivers and the general public aware of the potential dangers of choking in children, particularly for those under the age of 5.