Police opened an investigation following the death of a baby girl who choked to death on a family vacation. Sadly, a common cause of death in infants and toddlers, it can oftentimes be prevented. Also, knowing what to do if a child is choking can help save a life.
Holiday Turned Tragedy
Proud parents, Michael and Elizabeth Coffey, were on vacation from their home in England. They were staying in Serik, southern Turkey, accompanied by 30 friends and family members, including their beloved 6-month-old daughter, Elizabeth. The five-star Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel, not far from the coastline, is a beautiful oasis full of wonder and relaxation. However, when baby Elizabeth Coffey began choking, her loved ones were anything but relaxed.
Noticing the Choking Infant
The family alerted the hotel staff, who immediately contacted emergency responders. Baby Elizabeth was rushed to Aspendos Anatolia, a private hospital. It is reported that she was unresponsive upon arrival. Tragically, doctors did everything they could but were unable to save the baby. “The doctor who treated her said food or something similar had got lodged in the baby’s throat, and she couldn’t breathe.” Explained one of the hotel staff members.
Conducting an Investigation
After her death, the baby girl’s body was sent to Antalya Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy. Furthermore, police have confirmed they’re conducting a full investigation. However, at this time, it’s not clear what exactly caused the infant’s fatal choking mishap. Many reached out, offering their condolences to the grieving family, including Foreign Office Officials. “We are supporting the family of a British child who died in Turkey and are in contact with local authorities.” A spokesperson explained.
Many Condolences
Meanwhile, family and friends posted pictures of little Elizabeth. Sharing sentiments like, “RIP little princess Elizabeth.”, “Can’t believe this rest in peace baby girl. Please God comfort her mummy and daddy. Feel so heartbroken for them.” and “Rest in perfect peace little angel. Can’t believe it.” Perhaps the most precious a picture showing the much-loved baby girl sitting in the bath, covered in red lipstick kisses.
Because it isn’t clear at this time what caused Elizabeth’s choking mishap, we can’t know for sure if it was preventable. However, in many cases, choking is completely preventable. The most effective methods of prevention include knowing what household items are considered choking hazards and using safety and caution during meal or snack time.
Choking Hazards
According to the CDC, foods to avoid or closely monitor include, but are not limited to:
- Raw, Hard, or Uncooked Vegetables (Peas, small Carrot slices or shreds, Celery, Corn)
- Round uncut fruits (Olives, Grapes, Cherry Tomatoes, Melon Balls, Raisins)
- Large or Tough Chunks of Meat or bones (Steak, Chicken, or Jerky)
- Crunchy Snack Foods (Popcorn, Potato Chips, Chunky Peanut Butter)
- Chewy Snacks (Fruit Snacks, Marshmallows, Gum)
Preventing Choking
Babies and Toddlers tend to “self-teach” by touching or tasting the things around them. As a result, anything and everything goes in their mouths, which can lead to choking. However, food time is unsurprisingly the most likely time for an infant, toddler, or even child to be more susceptible to fatal choking. Knowing what to look out for and what to avoid will help minimize the risk.
Tips to Prevent Choking
- Infants and Toddlers should always be seated, still, during meal or snack time.
- Avoid meal or snack time in cars, strollers, or other moving and bumpy rides. (A train ride at the zoo.)
- When children get the wiggles and giggles, remove food until focus has returned to safely eating.
- Ensure all food is soft. (An infant’s air tubes are actually shockingly small so even cutting food into small bites can sometimes lead to choking.)
- Buy toys that don’t have lots of small pieces. (Blocks or Stacking cups are great because they aren’t small enough to fit in the mouth, let alone block airways.)
- Monitor children while playing in sandboxes and at the park. Small rocks, sticks, or seeds from trees can pose as choking hazards. And they also happen to be key objects for exploration among little ones.
Although some children are born with conditions that make them prone to choking or difficulty breathing, most of the time, death by choking is preventable. However, if a child is choking, call emergency responders as soon as possible! Furthermore, knowing how to perform basic safety techniques could save a life. It’s important to note that performing CPR on an infant or toddler the same way you would an adult, can actually cause life-threatening injuries. Many healthcare professionals and clinics offer courses for ensuring infant and toddler safety as well as how to perform CPR on adults. However, for quick reference, countless websites show a visual chart and step-by-step instructions on safely providing care until medical professionals arrive on the scene.
Keep Reading: Couple arrested after 10-year-old son, weighing 36 pounds, found searching for food: report
Sources
- “Police investigate death of British six-month-old baby who choked ‘on food or similar’ at five-star Turkish hotel during family holiday.” Daily Mail. Christian Oliver. May 16, 2023.
- “Major update after Brit baby dies on holiday with 30 family & friends in Turkey resort as cops investigate.” Sun. Nick Parker and Rebecca Husselbee. May 16, 2023.
- “Why does my baby put everything in her mouth?” Baby Center. Jhoanna Wade
- “Choking Hazards.” CDC