TULSA, Okla. — Halloween is just days away, which means kids will be coming home with the spoils of 'trick or treating.'
Chocolates, gummies and hard candies are just a few of the items that your child could choke on if you are not prepared.
Experts say if you find a loved one choking, there are a few things that can save them.
"The first thing we want you to do is call 911," said Andy Little with the Tulsa Fire Department. "If you have a cell phone you can call 911 then put it on speaker phone and set it down and then you can grab the child and begin caring for them."
"Call 911 because if you attempt things and they don't work then someone is on the way," said Dr. Rowena Baumgartner with St. Francis Hospital.
Second, experts say they want you to avoid making the situation worse.
"We don't recommend that you put a finger in their mouth or throat, because you can actually lodge whatever is in their throat whether its food candy deeper," Dr. Baumgartner said.
"Alternate between the black blows and chest thrusts and continue doing that until emergency crews arrive," Little said.
Dr. Baumgartner adds if the child who's choking is older, you can attempt the Heimlich until emergency crews arrive.
The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association also offer CPR classes.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.