What protocol should be activated if a caller reports their baby is choking?

The most appropriate protocol to activate when a caller reports that their baby is choking is Protocol 11 for Choking. This protocol is specifically designed to address situations where an individual, particularly a child or infant, is experiencing airway obstruction due to a foreign body or other factors. When a baby is choking, time is critical, and Protocol 11 provides clear, concise, and age-appropriate instructions to guide the caller in performing life-saving maneuvers until emergency services arrive.

This protocol includes specific actions tailored to the pediatric population, recognizing the anatomical and physiological differences in infants and young children compared to adults. By using this protocol, dispatchers can ensure that appropriate measures are communicated promptly, leading to a higher likelihood of a positive outcome for the choking incident.

In comparison, while Protocol 12 for Airway Obstruction might seem relevant, it is typically geared toward older children or adults and may not have the same specific guidance necessary for infants. Protocol 19 for Pediatric Emergencies encompasses a broader range of pediatric issues but does not focus solely on choking scenarios, making it less targeted in this context. Protocol 14 for General Distress may cover a wide variety of medical situations but is not specific enough for the urgent, life-threatening nature of a choking emergency in