AIRWAY-OBSTRUCTION BY A CHILDS PACIFIER - COULD FLANGE DESIGN BE SAFER

The use of pacifiers (dummies or soothers) for infants is prevalent. R are episodes of an adverse consequence must be taken seriously. We rep ort a case of aspiration of a pacifier by a 6-month-old baby. Nine sim ilar cases were found in the literature since 1966. The details of the se cases are outlined and changes to flange design proposed ahead of a new European Union Standard document. Conclusion Pacifier ventilation holes are essential, flanges should have a minimum horizontal and ver tical diameter of 43 mm. Rings should be attached to the flange to fac ilitate removal if aspirated.