Coroners Report on the Death of Six-Year-Old Pupil who Choked on Sausage

The sad death of Shannon Hennessey was recorded as "Accidental Death" at a Coroners hearing last month. The six-year-old pupil died after choking on a piece of sausage during lunch at Redhill Infants School in Castleford, Yorkshire (UK).

The Coroner, David Hinchliffe is reported to have reached the verdict after declaring that all that could have been done, had been done, to save her life.

Teachers, dinner staff and paramedics all tried to clear her throat and revive her on 8th November 2006, but she was pronounced dead after arriving at hospital.

It's a sad case because as a First Aider we try so hard in such situations, however, sometimes we have to come to terms with the fact that there is only so much we can do to help in an instance like this.

I'm sure the First Aiders concerned are deeply upset by the incident and I think it's vitally important that we recognise their bravery and courage in dealing with the child. For those who have seen a child choking on something, you'll know how terrifying it can be. We must congratulate the dinner lady who, even without formal training, had the courage to take action and help in this situation by carrying out the abdominal thrust.

In a First Aid situation, if a casualty is choking, the following action should be taken:

• Check the mouth is clear.
• Lean the casualty forward (child or baby: place over your knee, with the head lower than the rest of the body).
• Give the casualty 5 back slaps.
• If that does not work, give the casualty 5 abdominal thrusts.
• Repeat if necessary.
• If the casualty becomes unconscious, be prepared to resuscitate.

Please remember, in MOST cases, this simple procedure is VERY effective. Unfortunately, we rarely hear about the successful removal of an obstruction in a First Aid situation, yet it happens so often. If you have dealt with such a First Aid situation yourself, take the time to congratulate yourself on your action ... you are a star!


If you would like to see a demonstration of how to carry out the abdominal thrust,
please visit our website film demonstration

For an amusing demonstration of the abdominal thrust, try watching the movie "Mrs Doubtfire". The trailer can be viewed at New York Times Movies