How to Answer: How would you react if a child was choking?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Daycare Worker job interview.
19. How would you react if a child was choking?
How to Answer
Your training in CPR will teach you exactly what to do if a child was choking; however, the interviewer wants to see that you can recall your training under pressure.
When a child is choking you should:
1. Assess if the child can cough. Coughing is the best way to remove a blockage.
2. If the child cannot cough, call 911 and begin back blows and abdominal thrusts.
3. If the child cannot breathe, start CPR. Due to the blockage, the CPR will need to be modified.
4. Give chest compressions and rescue breaths until the item becomes dislodged and the child begins to breathe.
5. When emergency care arrives, let the professionals take over.
Walk the interviewer through these steps, showing that you have absorbed your CPR training to the point where you would be helpful in an emergency.
Written by Rachelle Enns on February 3rd, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Only once in my childcare career have I had to help a choking child. It was so scary, but I knew what to do. It's amazing how quickly my instincts kicked in. I called 911 and, while waiting for the EMS to arrive, I performed back blows and abdominal thrusts. Luckily, I was able to dislodge the item, and the child was okay in the end."
Written by Rachelle Enns on February 3rd, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I recently completed my CPR certification and learned a lot. I know the correct steps to take when a child is choking, and how to modify CPR should the blockage not become dislodged after administering back blows and compressions. I hope never to have to use this training; however, should the situation arise, I am ready to help."
Written by Rachelle Enns on February 3rd, 2019