Comparing rescue techniques for choking infants
Prospective Evaluation of Foreign Body Airway Obstruction Interventions Among Infants: A Non-randomized Pilot Cohort Study
This project will test whether back blows, chest compressions/thrusts, or abdominal thrusts are safe and effective for infants aged 2 years or less who choke in Alberta.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 2 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Calgary Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Calgary, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT07348848 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, observational feasibility project that will collect real-time data on out-of-hospital choking events in infants across Alberta. The study will enroll infants aged 2 years or less who received a conscious bystander or healthcare provider intervention and who were evaluated by EMS or later attended an emergency department. Data will focus on which maneuvers were used (back blows, chest compressions/thrusts, abdominal thrusts), immediate airway clearance, and short-term clinical outcomes. If feasible, these data will support a future comparative trial to determine which maneuvers are most effective and safest.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Infants aged 2 years or less who experienced an out-of-hospital choking event in Alberta, received a conscious intervention from a bystander or provider, and were assessed by EMS or treated in an emergency department.
Not a fit: Children with abnormal airway anatomy (for example, tracheostomy), those who were unconscious during the initial intervention, or events that occurred outside Alberta are not expected to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify which rescue actions most reliably clear infant airways and reduce deaths or serious injuries from choking.
How similar studies have performed: Existing evidence is limited mainly to historical case series from the late 1900s, so prospective, real-time data collection in infants is largely novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Infants (aged 2 years or less) who experienced an out-of-hospital FBAO in Alberta, Canada * Received a FBAO intervention while conscious by bystander or healthcare provider * Were assessed by EMS at the time of the incident, or later attended an emergency department due to the incident Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with abnormal airway anatomy such as a tracheostomy. * Patients who were unconscious when they received the initial FBAO intervention
Where this trial is running
Calgary, Alberta
- Virtual — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cody Dunne, MD
- Email: cody.dunne@ucalgary.ca
- Phone: 1-403-944-1818
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.