Ruqayyah Snyder
Choking is a serious issue that can lead to injury and death. In Australia, choking on objects is the most common cause of death in this category, while a foreign body in the respiratory tract is the most common cause of hospitalised injury. While data on choking-related deaths is limited, it has been reported that between 2020 and 2021, 19 children under the age of 14 choked to death, and in 2023, two children in New South Wales died from choking on food. These incidents have sparked calls for anti-choking devices to be made mandatory in schools and childcare centres.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of children under 14 who choked to death between 2020 and 2021 | 19 |
| Age group with the highest rates of hospitalisation | 0 to 4 years |
| Age group with the highest rates of death by choking | 65 and over |
| Age-standardised rates of hospitalisation due to choking and suffocation in 2021–22 | Higher for people in outer regional areas than in less remote areas |
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What You'll Learn
- Choking is a leading cause of preventable death in residential care
- Children aged 0 to 4 have the highest rates of hospitalisation
- Choking on objects is the most common cause of death
- Choking and suffocation hospitalisation rates are higher in outer regional areas
- Anti-choking devices are being called for in NSW schools
Choking is a leading cause of preventable death in residential care
Choking is a significant risk for older people and young children, who have the highest rates of death and hospitalisation, respectively, due to choking and suffocation. In 2020-2021, 19 children under the age of 14 choked to death in Australia, and two children in NSW died from choking on food this year. These tragic incidents have led to calls for anti-choking devices to be made mandatory in schools and childcare centres, with some experts arguing that more research is needed.
Respiratory tract obstructions can be caused by physical blockages, such as foreign objects in the windpipe, or by being trapped in a low-oxygen environment. Choking on objects is the most common cause of death in this category. While choking is a serious issue for people of all ages, older adults are particularly vulnerable. This vulnerability is due in part to the increased likelihood of having multiple comorbidities and complex pathways to death as people age.
Dysphagia, or swallowing difficulties, is a significant risk factor for choking and aspiration pneumonia. Coroners' findings have identified this condition as a cause of death or a contributing factor in residential care settings. Ensuring mealtime assistance and appropriate supervision for individuals with dysphagia is essential to prevent choking-related deaths.
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Children aged 0 to 4 have the highest rates of hospitalisation
Choking and suffocation pose a serious risk of injury and death, especially for young children and older people. While choking on objects is the most common cause of death in this category, children aged 0 to 4 years have the highest rates of hospitalisation compared to other age groups. This vulnerable age group is at a critical stage of development, with their small bodies and still-developing swallowing abilities making them susceptible to choking hazards.
In Australia, the issue of choking-related hospitalisations among young children is significant. Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals that children aged 0 to 4 years have the highest rates of hospitalisation due to choking and suffocation. This age group experiences more hospitalisations than older children, adolescents, and adults, highlighting the unique challenges faced by this younger demographic.
The high rate of hospitalisations among children aged 0 to 4 can be attributed to their developmental stage. At this age, children are exploring their surroundings and often put objects in their mouths, which can lead to choking incidents. Additionally, their swallowing function is still maturing, making them more prone to choking on food and small objects. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for supervision, appropriate feeding practices, and a safe environment during mealtimes.
To address this issue, it is essential to implement preventive measures and provide proper support for children in this age group. This includes ensuring adequate supervision during mealtimes, modifying food textures to reduce choking hazards, and educating caregivers and staff in residential organisations about the importance of mealtime plans and recommended diets. Additionally, early intervention and regular assessments by speech pathologists can help identify and manage swallowing difficulties, reducing the risk of hospitalisation due to choking.
The high rate of hospitalisations among children aged 0 to 4 in Australia underscores the urgency of implementing effective preventive strategies. By prioritising supervision, education, and tailored feeding practices, we can reduce the incidence of choking-related hospitalisations in this vulnerable age group. These measures are crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of young children as they navigate the critical early years of their development.
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Choking on objects is the most common cause of death
In 2020-2021, there were 30 deaths due to choking and suffocation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Additionally, 19 children under the age of 14 choked to death between 2020 and 2021, including a five-year-old girl named Imogen Lennon and a seven-year-old boy named Decklan Hayward, who both died in 2023. These tragic incidents have led to calls for anti-choking devices to be made mandatory in schools and first aid kits.
Older people are particularly vulnerable to choking due to age-related swallowing difficulties and health conditions such as dysphagia, which affects individuals with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, Parkinson's, stroke, dementia, and cancer. Research suggests that choking deaths can be prevented with proper support, staff training, and appropriate food textures for those with dysphagia.
Choking deaths are not limited to Australia; studies from Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan have also reported high incidences of choking deaths, particularly among older individuals. These studies highlight the global need for improved protocols and interventions to prevent choking, especially in high-risk populations.
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Choking and suffocation hospitalisation rates are higher in outer regional areas
Choking and suffocation pose a serious risk of injury and death, particularly for older people and young children. Choking on objects is the most common cause of death in this category, while a foreign body in the respiratory tract is the most common cause of hospitalisation.
In Australia, choking and suffocation hospitalisation rates are notably higher in outer regional areas than in less remote locations. This disparity was evident in the 2021-22 data, with age-standardised rates calculated per 100,000 population. The higher hospitalisation rates in outer regional areas may be attributed to various factors, including potential differences in access to emergency medical services or variations in health literacy and first-aid capabilities.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to choking and suffocation, as evidenced by the tragic cases of two NSW children, Imogen Lennon and Decklan Hayward, who died after choking on food items. These incidents have sparked calls for anti-choking devices and improved first-aid resources in schools and childcare centres. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved a suction apparatus for removing lodged objects from the throat, but further research is needed to ensure its effectiveness and widespread implementation.
Additionally, older adults, especially those in residential care, are at an elevated risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia. In Victoria during 2018-2019, 59% of deaths in residential care that were referred to the coroner were attributed to aspiration pneumonia. This highlights the critical importance of implementing safety measures and providing appropriate supervision for individuals with swallowing difficulties or dysphagia.
To address the heightened hospitalisation rates in outer regional areas, it is essential to enhance access to emergency medical services, promote health literacy, and encourage the development and availability of innovative anti-choking devices and treatments. By addressing these factors, we can work towards reducing the impact of choking and suffocation incidents in these communities.
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Anti-choking devices are being called for in NSW schools
Choking is a serious issue in Australia, with children aged 0 to 4 experiencing the highest rates of hospitalisation. Between 2020 and 2021, 19 children under the age of 14 choked to death. This has led to calls for anti-choking devices to be made mandatory in NSW schools and childcare centres. Samantha Lennon, whose daughter, Imogen, died after choking on a cocktail frankfurt, is advocating for these devices to be included in first aid kits. Ms Lennon has stated that other options outside of first aid should be explored, as basic first aid was not enough to save her child.
While the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved a suction apparatus brand for clearing airways, experts advise caution. Sarah Hunstead of CPR Kids, an organisation that teaches parents emergency response skills, believes that more studies are needed before recommending anti-choking devices. She asserts that first aid should be the priority when addressing choking incidents. The NSW Department of Education has affirmed that all school staff are fully qualified in first aid and receive annual training. They have expressed openness to including suction devices in first aid kits if they become part of the training provided to first aiders.
The NSW Government has faced criticism for its response to calls for anti-choking devices in schools. In February 2024, Orange City Council unanimously passed a motion for Minister for Education Prue Car to support the implementation of LifeVac devices in schools. However, nine months later, Deputy Mayor Tammy Greenhalgh expressed disappointment at the lack of response from Ms Car's office. Meanwhile, Minister for Health Ryan Park acknowledged the limited published evidence on the effectiveness of LifeVac, citing only a few unbiased trials.
Despite the ongoing debates, advocates for anti-choking devices maintain their stance. The Australian Local Government Association has joined the call for the Federal Government to fund the introduction of anti-choking devices in all Australian schools and childcare centres. Additionally, they encourage Australian sporting clubs to include these devices as essential components of their first aid toolkits. While the discussion continues, it is clear that the well-being and safety of children in NSW schools remain a top priority for all involved parties.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear how many people choke to death in Australia each year, but according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 19 children under the age of 14 choked to death between 2020 and 2021. In 2021–22, there were 30 deaths due to choking and suffocation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Older people have the highest rates of death by choking, while young children have the highest rates of hospitalisation. In Victoria, in 2018-19, 59% of deaths referred to the coroner were from aspiration pneumonia, and most of the cases involved people with disabilities living in residential care.
Choking deaths are often caused by the consumption of certain types of food, such as Japanese rice cakes, which are traditionally consumed during the New Year. In Australia, choking deaths have occurred due to the consumption of cocktail frankfurts.
To prevent choking deaths, it is important to have proper support and supervision during mealtimes, especially for individuals with dysphagia or swallowing difficulties. This includes providing appropriate staffing ratios, training support staff, and offering modified food textures and nutritional support. Anti-choking devices are also being considered as a potential solution, but further research is needed.
