I’m a nurse and mom and this is what you need to know about anti-choking devices

Anti-choking suction devices have been prominent in the media as of late — marketed as an effective tool to remove an object a child or adult has choked on.

A recent study has been released, with some insights into how effective two commercially available anti-choking suction devices are – the LifeVac and DeChoker.

Here is a breakdown of the study, and the findings.

How anti-choking devices work 

Each was tested in how effective they were to relieve foreign body aspiration (choking) in a fresh frozen adult cadaver, with a cashew, a grape, and a saltine cracker.

Three participants performed two trials with each food and device. Each device was used to manufacturer specifications.

Both devices failed to remove the cashews and grapes in all trials.

One device successfully removed the saltine crackers only.

Both caused significant pressure to the tongue and/or oral cavity in the cadaver.

One caused significant injury to the tongue in the cadaver.

What parents need to know about anti-choking devices

The key takeaway for parents and carers — the researchers’ findings suggest that both devices should not replace current choking first aid recommendations (back blows and chest thrusts), and that further independent studies need to be undertaken before these anti-choking devices can be marketed as a secondary treatment option.

The researchers also acknowledge the limitations of their own study.

It is vital that parents and carers of children are trained to administer recommended first aid in the event of a choking baby, child or adult.

Back blows are not a simple pat on the back.

It is critical for parents and carers to be confident to deliver effective back blows and chest thrusts in a choking emergency.

This remains to be the recommended response in a choking baby, child or adult.

More research is needed into anti-choking devices.

Know how to respond in an emergency involving your little one.

Book a baby + child CPR & First Aid class today so that you know what to do in the event of a choking emergency. 

Sarah Hunstead is a Paediatric Nurse and founder of CPR Kids. She is also the author of  ‘A Life. A Finger. A Pea Up a Nose’ and CPR Kids essential First Aid Guide for Babies and Children.