Eurosafe Choking, suffocation and strangulation
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Choking, suffocation and strangulation  print friendly


Airway and breathing-related injuries occur less frequently than other types of injuries, but are unfortunately often fatal. Infants can suffocate within a bed should their airway become obstructed by blankets and pillows. Small toddlers can choke on every day items they pick up and place in their mouths, or can be strangled by their own pacifiier cord. Older children are more at risk to be strangled or suffocate due to entanglement with something such as a window cord or their own clothing drawstrings. These types of injuries occur very quickly and often quietly.
For more facts on choking, suffocation and strangulation, see our factsheets below.


  • Factsheet: Facts, Effective Prevention, Recommended policy actions
  • Tipsheet: For parents and consumers


Current EU national level policy on choking, strangulation and suffocation

Choking/strangulation prevention in Europe; clickable to a bigger version
Choking/strangulation prevention in Europe; clickable to a bigger version

This chart and further are available in the Child Safety Report Card 2009: Europe Summary for 24 Countries (download page)



Good practices for prevention: proven effective prevention measures

clickable to a bigger version


This chart is taken from the Child Safety Good Practice Guide by the European Child Safety Alliance. (more).