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What Are Anti-Choking Devices?

If someone is choking, you have just minutes to clear the obstruction before the situation becomes critical. While the Heimlich maneuver or blows to the back may be effective in some cases, those methods can be difficult to administer to more vulnerable choking victims such as infants, the elderly, people with disabilities, or for people who are alone. In these cases, an anti-choking device could prove lifesaving.

A choking rescue device is a portable first-aid medical tool that assists in clearing the airway of a person who may have an obstruction in their throat, preventing them from breathing.

A choking rescue device typically consists of several components to aid in effectively clearing a person’s airway:
  • Face mask. Similar to an oxygen mask, the face mask is placed over the nose and mouth to create an airtight seal.
  • Suction pump. A hand-operated suction pump creates pressure in order to clear an airway obstruction.
  • One-way valve. The valve is designed to prevent air from pushing the obstruction further into the airway and making a bad situation worse.
  • Transparent tube. The transparent tube allows visibility of the dislodged obstruction once suction has been applied.

Are There Different Types of Choking Rescue Devices?

There are several different brands of choking rescue devices on the market today. Two of the most popular are LifeVac and Dechoker. Both are portable, hand-operated anti-choking devices.

LifeVac

LifeVac choking rescue device is non-invasive and easy to use. The LifeVac plunger forces air out when depressed and applies suction when it’s pulled all the way back. LiveVac’s one way valve prevents air from pushing an obstruction even further into the airway.

How Do Anti-Choking Devices Work?

Powerful suction created by the anti-choking device serves to dislodge and remove obstructions from a person’s airway. While they can prove effective, medical experts believe the best first response is still the Heimlich maneuver or strong back blows.

However, an anti-choking device may be preferable for the following individuals:
  • Elderly choking victims. Because some elderly individuals may have osteoporosis or brittle, fragile bones, sharp blows to the back or the Heimlich maneuver may prove too forceful and result in serious injury such as rib fractures, sternum injuries, or even internal organ damage.
  • Pregnant women. Abdominal thrusts could prove injurious to a fetus and cause internal injuries to the mother. 
  • Infants under one year old. Because a baby’s internal organs are delicate as are their ribs and diaphragm, back blows and the Heimlich maneuver have the potential to cause injury.
  • Small children between the ages of 1-5 years old. Because they have smaller frames and less muscle mass, excessive force could result in rib fractures, internal bruising, or damage to the diaphragm.
  • Individuals with abdominal injuries or medical conditions. People who have existing medical conditions such as a hernia or stitches from a recent abdominal surgery are poor candidates for the Heimlich maneuver as it risks reinjury or making existing conditions worse.
  • People in wheelchairs. Attempting to perform the Heimlich maneuver on a person seated in a wheelchair can prove problematic. It may be nearly impossible to apply enough pressure to the choking victim to dislodge an obstruction.

Are Anti-Choking Devices Effective?

While researchers have performed a limited number of studies on the efficacy of anti-choking devices, some anecdotal reports have detailed their success and effectiveness. In fact, some care facilities and schools have begun keeping the devices on hand as part of their first aid equipment. In the end, the majority of medical organizations do recommend employing traditional choking rescue techniques before using anti-choking devices.  

What is the History of the Heimlich Maneuver?

Developed in 1974 by Dr. Henry Heimlich, a Cincinnati, Ohio thoracic surgeon, the Heimlich maneuver has become the standard response for treating choking victims. While it has inarguably saved millions of lives in the past five decades, it does carry some risk if not performed correctly. Those risks include broken ribs, internal injuries, ruptured organs, or extreme pain and injury if performed on someone who is not actually choking. Proper training in the Heimlich maneuver technique from a certified instructor is highly recommended before attempting to perform it on a choking victim. 

What Are the Most Common Items People Choke On?

Items that pose a potential risk for choking vary by age group:

Children

For children, especially those under the age of five, the most common choking hazards include:
  • Hot dogs
  • Grapes
  • Hard candy
  • Gum
  • Popcorn
  • Nuts
  • Meat or cheese not cut into small enough pieces
  • Marshmallows
  • Coins
  • Small toys
  • Balloons
  • Jewelry
  • Pen caps

Adults

Some of the biggest choking hazards for adults include:
  • Steak and large pieces of meat
  • Chicken with bones
  • Bread and bagels
  • Peanut butter
  • Hard candy
  • Throat lozenges
  • Grapes
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Fish with bones
  • Rice and pasta

Elderly Adults

Older adults are at risk for choking because the muscles they use to swallow are weaker. Some common choking habits for this age group include:
  • Dry foods such as toast, crackers, or nuts
  • Meats such as steak, chicken, or pork
  • Pills and medications
  • Fruits with skins such as apples, pears, and peaches
  • Sticky foods such as peanut butter, caramel, or gummy candies

Unusual choking hazards

While not common, some of the following items can present a risk for choking:
  • Dentures 
  • Toothpicks
  • Ice cubes
  • Chewing gum
  • Pen caps and erasers
  • Artificial nails
  • Earbuds
  • Retainers
  • Mouthguards
  • Vape cartridges
  • Paper clips
  • Loose dental crowns

Should Every Home Have an Anti-Choking Device?

Because anti-choking devices are easy to use, non-invasive and a reasonable alternative for the vulnerable population, anti-choking devices are a good tool to include in an at-home first aid kit. Families that do keep anti-choking devices on hand should be completely familiar with their use and operation before employing them in an emergency situation.  

AED Professionals: A General Medical Devices, Inc. company

348 W. Colfax Street, Palatine, IL 60067

info@aedprofessionals.com 888-541-2337

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