Three Yr Old Boy Dies choking on Hot Dog

[nativetxn]

It is always very sad to hear of the death of a young child, no matter what the cause or where it happens.

Since this discussion has branched out to locations other than WDW, I'm going to move this to the community board now.

Katholyn

 

[Mad4Mickey]

I am new to the boards , and I love it here so I will choose my words in a careful way. I do not believe this at all . Being married to a FF/Paramedic I can tell you that even IF Disney had not cleared a path there would have been one made . The other thing is that this seems to come around all the time but the place is always different . It "happened" here at a Texas Rangers game about 3 years ago . Of course it was not on our news either but I heard it from a friend who had a friend who had a cousin that sat near a lady who was in line when the hot dog was bought for the child . Sorry I mean no dissrespect.

 

[DisneyVillain]

Originally posted by Mad4Mickey
The other thing is that this seems to come around all the time but the place is always different .

Or perhaps the place is always different, because hot dog chokings happen all the time. (17% of all choking deaths by one study).

From Safechild.net:
Food is a significant cause of choking among children. In fact, in a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, hot dogs were found to be the food most likely to cause a child to choke. In commenting on the study, one medical expert said, "The shape of a hot dog is the perfect design for blocking a child's throat."

I think I cut 1,000,000 hot dogs lengthwise when my children were small. (It was never really a danger with my older child, because he liked to eat his hot dog top-down.)

 

[poohandwendy]

So sad for the family!!! How heartbreaking! They are in my thoughts and prayers.

This thread, however, reminds me that people have such an illusion about 'all things Disney'. While it may be a magical vacation destination, magic is not real. We must not let our guard down and think that WDW is a 'safe zone' deplete of reality, like accidents and tragedies. WDW may be ahead of the game in security and organization over other smaller amusement parks...but they can only do SO much, thay cannot ensure that NOTHING bad will happen. Often you hear of something happen and the shock of it all is that it happened at WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!!! It is no more sad or tragic, to those involved, that a 3 year old child died at WDW than at home or in the grocery store. I think this is a great reminder that we, as parents, should never let our guard down. We should never think that our children are safe from accidents because we are on vacation or anywhere else. WDW is not a bubble, a protector from scary things. It is a wonderful place, but anything can and does happen even at the most 'magical place on earth'.

 

[Poohnatic]

I believe that someone on another board (where a similar thread is posted) stated that the child choked at UNIVERSAL, not Disney. It was quoted a few replies back.

Twingle, perhaps you can ask your daughter? If so, would you edit your thread title accordingly? I'm not dismissing the fact that a child died, just ask that the thread title fit the facts...

 

[mickey4ver]

There have been several postings on here stating that this indeed did happen, and I for one am not disputing it, just that if it did happen so tragically at another park, the thread should now reflect that.

All this unfortunate news is so sad and prayers out to all the families involved, how awful for them. So many are correct, you can't predict when tragedy will befall any of us or our families, and we can just pray for the families and the heartbreak.

 

[sha_lyn]

I just wanted to add that if indeed this did happen at US, that I don't doubt that they too have a good emergency plan in place. Our own Robinrs was injurred there during spring break and has nothing but praise for the way her fall was handled.

While I still understand why twinglemum was lashing out, I also still feel she jumped to several conclusions wihtout knowing the facts.

 

[travelitis]

I was a grape and hotdog slicer and dicer not too long ago, and I still watch my 4 yr. old (turning 5 during our upcoming trip) very closely. Even my 9 yr. old needs watching, because he can take too big of bites and bounce. However, it's sad enough for this family their child died without others judging and jumping to the conclusion that the parents were negligent. Having lost a child myself, I can say with certainty that the last thing you need to hear is others questioning your parenting skills. Of course these parents tried to safeguard their kids and didn't want something like this to happen, and if they failed to slice that hotdog, they feel incredible guilt without people criticizing them. Even if it didn't get sliced, it doesn't make them bad parents. It might mean they weren't informed parents, or that they were so sidetracked they forgot, but it really shouldn't be up to anyone to debate. I'm so tired of people asking, as soon as they find out my son was killed in a car accident, "Did he have on a seat belt?" Responses like that are not well-meaning, caring, or appropriate, nor are they anyone's business. I'm not flaming anyone who brought up the safety issues tactfully, but if you pointed the finger of blame at the parents, consider yourself flamed.

 

[Deb in IA]

Here's the information I posted on the other thread about this incident:

As with many child safetly issues, the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) has published guidelines and recommendations, based on statistics, research, and the experience and expertise of hundreds of pediatricians nationwide. I am continually dismayed at the numbers of parents who choose NOT to follow these recommendations ("I know my child best . . ." )

Here is some relavant information:

Choking Prevention



In addition to food, there are household items that can become choking hazards. You can help ensure a safe environment by keeping these items away from infants and young children:
Latex balloons
Coins
Marbles
Toys with small parts
Toys that can be compressed to fit entirely into a child's mouth
Small balls
Pen or marker caps
Small button-type batteries
Medicine syringes
Choking can be prevented. Before your child begins to crawl, get down on his level and look for dangerous items. If you have older children, pay extra attention to their toys and be sure your younger child can't get into them. In addition to thoroughly childproofing your home, keep this list of choking prevention tips in mind:

Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (basic life support).

Be aware that balloons pose a choking risk to children of any age.

Keep the following foods from children until 4 years of age:
Hot dogs
Nuts and seeds
Chunks of meat or cheese
Whole grapes
Hard, gooey, or sticky candy
Popcorn
Chunks of peanut butter
Raw vegetables
Raisins
Chewing gum

Insist that children eat at the table, or at least while sitting down. They should never run, walk, play or lie down with food in their mouths.

Cut food for infants and young children into pieces no larger than one-half inch and teach them to chew their food well.

Supervise mealtime for infants and young children.

Be aware of older children's actions. Many choking incidents occur when older brothers or sisters give dangerous foods, toys or small objects to a younger child.

Avoid toys with small parts and keep other small household items out of reach of infants and young children.

Follow the age recommendations on toy packages. Age guidelines reflect the safety of a toy based on any possible choking hazard as well as the child's physical and mental abilities at various ages.

Check under furniture and between cushions for small items that children could find and put in their mouths.

Do not let infants and young children play with coins.
In addition to creating a safe environment for your child, it is important to learn basic life support skills. Post a first aid chart in your home; it can be a valuable reminder in the case of an emergency. However, these instructions should not take the place of an approved class in basic first aid, CPR or emergency prevention. Contact your local American Red Cross office or the American Heart Association to find out about classes offered in your area. Most of the classes teach basic first aid, CPR and emergency prevention along with what to do for a choking infant or child. Your pediatrician also can help you understand these steps and talk to you about the importance of supervising mealtime and identifying dangerous foods and objects.

http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_...A7C&sub_cat=104

Choking: Common Dangers for Children



When children begin crawling, or eating table foods, parents must be aware of the dangers and risks of choking. Older infants and children less than 5 years of age can easily choke on food and small objects.
Choking occurs when food or small objects get caught in the throat and block the airway. This prevents oxygen from getting to the lungs and the brain. When the brain goes without oxygen for more than four minutes, brain damage or even death may occur. Many children die from choking each year. Most children who choke to death are younger than 5 years of age. Two-thirds of choking victims are infants younger than 1 year of age.

Food is one of the most common choking dangers for young children. When infants and young children do not grind or chew their food well, they may attempt to swallow it whole. If the food is in large pieces, it can lodge in their throat and cause choking. You can help reduce the chances of choking by not feeding children younger than 4 years of age any round, firm food unless it is chopped completely. Round, firm foods are common choking dangers. The following foods can be choking hazards:

Hot dogs
Nuts and seeds
Chunks of meat or cheese
Whole grapes
Hard, gooey or sticky candy
Popcorn
Chunks of peanut butter
Raw vegetables
Raisins
Chewing gum

http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_...B7C&sub_cat=104

 

[DawnCt]

Back on the first page, someone suggested an emergency trachiotomy. Viking responded that opening an airway with a sharp knife and a straw (ball point pen) was effective only on tv.
He is partially right. A trachiotomy is a complicated procedure, HOWEVER, there is an effective alternative and he, as a paramedic should be aware of it. A cricothyroidotomy is an emergency procedure done when an endotracheal tube cannot be inserted and time is of the essence. The incision can be made below the first tracheal ring and the barrel of a ball point pen can be inserted to provide air. A straw couldn't necessarily be depended upon because it could collapse. Would I attempt the procedure on my own anoxic, unconscious child when there was no other help on the way? You bet I would if it were the only thing left to do.

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

but do you know how to do it if you had to?

if you don't know what you're doing you could actually make the situation worse.

 

[Disney Doll]

I am going to assume that this story is true, as Twinglemom says it is and her sister went to the wake etc. Some observations/thoguhts:
1.If you don't do the Heimlich maneuver basically within 3-5 minutes of the person's airway being occluded, you could have a helicopter outside the restaurant waiting to airlift the person to the nearest trauma center and you're still not going to save the person.
2.Children should not be given hot dogs unless they are cut up into very small bite size pieces.
3.It is not Disney's fault if this mother made a poor meal choice for her child.

Of course, Disney will be sued because they are the big uncaring company. Let's face it, you're looking at the motherload as far as making money is concerned. They'll settle, because they aren't going to want the bad publicity. Having beeen there probably 25 times in the last 12 years, and witnessed and participated in my share of medical type emergencies, I will say that I have never seen anything other than a rapid,appropriate response by security and their medical people. It is amazing what they can do, and how fast they can do it no matter what the circumstances.

Prayers to the family of this child.

 

[DawnCt]

Originally posted by Briar Rose 7457
but do you know how to do it if you had to?

if you don't know what you're doing you could actually make the situation worse.

I know where to do it and how to do it, I have never done it. I hope I would never have to but if a victim is moments from death and there is no other way to relieve an airway obstruction, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain. My neighbor actually performed this on his dog when the dog was struck by a car. The dog ultimately died from massive trauma but not from airway obstruction, so it does work.

 

[nicknamy1996]

My 2 Cents...

I think a previous poster hit it on the head. The post should be titled "Boy dies choking on a hot dog"

I think the post is good because it has educated many people about the dangers of hot dogs.

AND I would never wish anything upon my child or anyone elses but I have an easy answer to this question, Do you? "If your child were to be injured (to the point of needing major medical care) would you rather be at home, at some pizza place/arcade or at Disney World?"

Other than a Hospital there's probabally not many better places to need medical attention.

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

Originally posted by DawnCt
I know where to do it and how to do it, I have never done it. I hope I would never have to but if a victim is moments from death and there is no other way to relieve an airway obstruction, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain. My neighbor actually performed this on his dog when the dog was struck by a car. The dog ultimately died from massive trauma but not from airway obstruction, so it does work.

then I'd be happy to have you around in an emergency, but most of us don't know how to do it and would probably end up cutting a vital vein or artery instead.

 

[mike07801]

Not a Trachiotomy but....

Back on the first page, someone suggested an emergency trachiotomy. Viking responded that opening an airway with a sharp knife and a straw (ball point pen) was effective only on tv.
He is partially right. A trachiotomy is a complicated procedure, HOWEVER, there is an effective alternative and he, as a paramedic should be aware of it. A cricothyroidotomy is an emergency procedure done when an endotracheal tube cannot be inserted and time is of the essence. The incision can be made below the first tracheal ring and the barrel of a ball point pen can be inserted to provide air. A straw couldn't necessarily be depended upon because it could collapse. Would I attempt the procedure on my own anoxic, unconscious child when there was no other help on the way? You bet I would if it were the only thing left to do.
__________________
Dawn,Ct.

Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics are bound by "scope of practice" laws. I just finished EMT Basic (EMT-B) training, and once I am licensed, I can only perform procedures within my scope of practice. I am not sure if cricothyroidotomy is within a paramedic's (EMT-P) scope of practice in Florida. My understanding is that in New Jersey, it is not. If a paramedic that did that procedure in NJ, she or he would lose her or his license and could be subject to criminal prosecution and permanent loss of license to practice, successful or not. (For example: I am a diabetic and know how to check my own blood sugar, but if I check a patient's blood sugar, it is beyond the scope of practice for an EMT-B and is not allowed.) Paramedics and EMT-Bs do what they can to help every patient, but are not physicians, and cannot do every procedure that a doctor can.

 

[eeyore0062]

Of course, Disney will be sued because they are the big uncaring company. Let's face it, you're looking at the motherload as far as making money is concerned.

WHY ARE WE STILL TALKING LIKE THIS HAPPENED AT WDW??? It has been stated that it happened at Univeral Studios, although there is no evidence anywhere in any of the Florida papers that it occured at all.

Unfortunately people seem to assume if you go to Orlando to vacation that you are automatically at WDW. There are other parks there, too.

 

[Judy from Boise]

Paramedics and EMT-Bs do what they can to help every patient,

You of course are completely accurate describing state scope of practice laws. I just want to point out that there is a huge difference in the practice of an EMT-B and a paramedic. I would think chricoidectomies easily fit into the paramedic scope of practice. In Idaho they can even insert chest tubes.

 

[DawnCt]

Originally posted by mike07801
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics are bound by "scope of practice" laws. I just finished EMT Basic (EMT-B) training, and once I am licensed, I can only perform procedures within my scope of practice. I am not sure if cricothyroidotomy is within a paramedic's (EMT-P) scope of practice in Florida. My understanding is that in New Jersey, it is not.

I am aware that all medical professionals have to act within the scope of their licenses. The purpose of my post was to address Viking's assertion that there was no emergency surgical response in the field to a complete airway obstruction and that such procedures are fictionalized for T.V.

 

[Tjkane28]

Originally posted by nicknamy1996
My 2 Cents...

I think a previous poster hit it on the head. The post should be titled "Boy dies choking on a hot dog"

That was my post and I stand by what I wrote. This is especially true since information has surfaced over the past few days that indicate THIS TRAGIC EVENT DID NOT HAPPEN AT DISNEY!

Change the title, Twinglemum. It didn't happen at Disney. By not changing the title you are perpetuating a known falsity.


Enough, already!

Peace