5 Simple Ways To Help Prevent Choking Deaths

LONG ISLAND, NY — Roughly 5,000 Americans die each year because of choking, making it the fourth leading cause of unintentional death, according to StatPearls. With National Choking Awareness Day coming on March 28, LifeVac issued five tips on how people can prevent choking deaths.

“Over 10 years ago, I encountered the tragic story of a mother losing her young son due to choking,” LifeVac Founder and CEO Arthur Lih said via news release. "A father myself, I successfully developed a non-invasive upper airway clearing device intended to save as many lives as possible, and this year we are celebrating our 10th anniversary!"

The patented first-aid device can be used on children and adults, and it's easy enough for anyone to use. The device creates a seal when placed over someone's mouth. When the plunger is pushed in and then pulled, it makes a high-powered suction cup that vacuums out the obstruction. Over the last decade, LifeVac has grown on a global scale and is available worldwide.

Choking is the leading cause of infantile death and the fourth leading cause of death among preschool children.

Here are five ways to help prevent choking deaths:

• Know what to do. Choking is common, yet most people don't give it a thought. The most important thing people can do is be prepared and know what to do if someone is choking. Being able to jump in and help them is crucial. Having a LifeVac in your car can even help save someone else’s life, according to the company.
• Reduce risks as much as possible. The majority of choking deaths are of preschoolers and the elderly. Most adults who choke do so on hot dogs, grapes, and steak, while most children who choke do so on hot dogs, grapes, coins, and other small objects. Cut up food for both groups to reduce choking risks and ensure homes and preschools are child friendly, keeping coins and other small objects out of reach for infants and toddlers.
• Remember that time is of the essence. When someone is choking, their brain is not getting the oxygen needed. Within just four to six minutes without oxygen, the brain will begin dying. Meanwhile, the average emergency medical response time is eight minutes in most areas, while 14 minutes in rural areas. It's crucial to know what to do without waiting for emergency medical help.
• Know the signs of choking. When someone is choking, they cannot breathe because the object is blocking their airway. They may not be able to breathe or talk at all or may only be able to do so partially. They may make wheezing or rattling sounds and seem to be in distress. If the person choking knows the international sign, they may put one or both hands over their neck to indicate to others that something is stuck.
• Share the knowledge with others. Everyone needs to know how to reduce choking risks and what to do if someone is choking. The information should be shared with all family members, teachers, lunchroom workers, restaurant staff, etc. The more people who know what to do, the more we can reduce the number of deaths due to choking.

"Choking is something that can happen to anyone, so the more we can be prepared by having a LifeVac on hand, the more we can save lives," Lih said. "If we all work together to raise awareness and become better prepared, we can help greatly reduce the number of deaths per year from choking."

LifeVac is a choking rescue device that can be used anywhere. The LifeVac kit is made in the USA and is available in a home and travel version. The home kit comes with a practice mask, child mask, adult mask, suction device, and instruction guide. The kit never expires, and the company replaces it if it's ever used to save someone who is choking. The kits are ideal for homes, schools, airlines, airports, cafeterias, churches, police, Fire/EMS, medical facilities, restaurants, etc.

LifeVac kits can be bought online.