KEY POINTS:
The death of a three-year-old Napier boy, who choked on a sweet at his own birthday party, highlights the need for parents to watch their children while eating, says a leading paediatrician.
The boy was named today as Brodie Stephen Monk-Ulyatt.
Hawke's Bay Hospital clinical director of paediatrics
Philip Moore said children needed to be taught to sit at the table when eating from the time they were very young.
"They shouldn't be eating while running around and playing but I know that's particularly difficult at a birthday party," Mr Moore said.
Brodie's parents tried to dislodge the sweet from his throat but were unable to save him.
He had turned three about two weeks before, but the family had waited until Easter to hold his birthday party.
He had been celebrating with relatives and friends when the tragedy happened in Greenmeadows on Saturday afternoon.
Police said Brodie ran to his parents when he started choking.
"They've tried to dislodge what was choking him," Senior Sergeant Mal Lochrie said. At the same time, they've rung 111 and ambulance have arrived, but they weren't able to revive him."
Mr Lochrie said other partygoers witnessed the boy's death.
"It was his own birthday. Parents and grandparents were there. Friends were there. It's very sad, very tragic."
Mr Lochrie said Brodie was dead when police were called at 1.50pm.
"When we were called the ambulance was already there requesting us because everyone was pretty distressed," Mr Lochrie said.
Mr Moore said he didn't know details of the boy's death and didn't want to place any blame on the parents but hoped it would refresh parents' minds on the dangers of choking.
The American Academy of Paediatrics had issued a list of food not suitable for children under four, which included sweets, raisins and popcorn.
"I guess the message is food must be age- appropriate," he said, adding that all parents should have up-to-date first aid training and know how to give back blows for babies under one and the Heimlich Manoeuvre for older children.
Steve Smith of St John's said parents should enrol in a structured first aid course and consult their Plunket books for advice on choking.
Plunket child safety adviser Sue Campbell said the organisation had "incredible sympathy for the family in this tragic situation".
She said choking was a hazard that could never be fully eliminated.
"You cannot stop kids being kids; you cannot stop having birthday parties and nor should you.
"It's just something to be constantly aware of," Ms Campbell said.
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY