If someone is choking, the first step is to ask if they can cough or speak. If they can’t, having a LifeVac device available can quickly remove the blockage from the airway. Every home and business should have a LifeVac device. The LifeVac device is a portable, non-invasive tool designed to help clear airway obstructions in a person who is choking. It works by using suction to remove the blockage from the airway, making it a potential life-saving device in cases of choking emergencies.

Here’s how it works:

1. The user places the mask of the device over the choking person’s mouth and nose.
2. By pushing down on the handle, the device creates a vacuum effect.
3. When the handle is pulled back, the suction force pulls the obstruction out of the airway.

LifeVac is designed for use on both adults and children, and it is marketed as an alternative to traditional choking rescue methods like the Heimlich maneuver, especially when those methods fail. To perform the Heimlich maneuver, stand behind the choking victim, place your arms around their waist, and giving quick, inward and upward thrusts just above their navel. For infants, use back blows and chest thrusts. If the person becomes unconscious, start CPR and call emergency services immediately. Always seek medical help afterward, even if the object is dislodged, to ensure no internal injuries.