Dechoker anti-choking device claims to save lives but has never been tested on humans

When it comes to choking — every second counts. In 2015 more than 5,000 people across the country lost their lives in a choking-related accident. Now we are taking a close look at a device for sale on line and in stores that claims to be a lifesaver but some medical experts say they are not so sure.

[devdawg]

If my child is chocking and abdominal thrust aren't working you better bet I'm trying a non tested dechocking device.

[magnusbrzenk]

Gee, I wonder why they haven't tried testing it on "humans in clinical trials"?

[TheHarbin]

If the heimlich was 100% successful, I'd say why try to reinvent the wheel, but it is not. Why not have another tactic to try if the need ever arises?

[micolevi]

I just got here from a video were a lifevac saved a toddler.

[CristinaAcosta]

The Heimlich method does not always work. My friend died in my arms while I was doing the Heimlich maneuver on him. I would’ve loved to have a secondary device to attempt to save him. Also, the Heimlich is a quite violent movement.

[whackamac]

This is how big pharma gets jealous that somebody invented something and they don't own it. Someone in pharma probably said "this device can be sold for $10k.. not $80.

[virsapiensfortisest]

I bought one and it came in the mail today. My kids kinda laughed at me because I always worry about them, but after I showed it to them it and we practiced with it they were happy I got it. The components are definitely quality made.

At my previous job I had to do the Heimlich on a woman who was choking on her lunch. Thankfully she lived. That memory has never left me. Anyone can choke- not just small kids. I’m glad I have this.

[dingoledingus]

I would figure that a doctor would be smart enough to understand that people aren't going to abandon back blows and abdominal thrusts. This is for when you have tried both and neither has been effective. This is a much better option than an untrained individual trying their hand at an emergency cricothyroidotomy. Why not try it if it is a last option in saving a life? Also, lol at no live human studies, what are you going to do? Intentionally choke people and then try and use the dechoker? Come on.

[johndavis]

They never showed if it actually worked on the dummy. I'm guessing it did work, and that'd ruin their story.

[Anguilla]

why not when the alternative is death?

[juliehill]

No shit it hasn't undergone a trial on humans .... who the hell would volunteer for that trial? Stupid journalism.
A day after my c-section surgery, my husband choked for a half minute. I wasn't strong enough to help him. If the heimlich doesn't work, its good to have a backup plan. I think everyone should own one. Fortunately my husband is ok. But he has struggled with choking his whole life. It gives me peace of mind to know I have multiple tools to save him if need be!

[jzis]

I just seen a video on Facebook of a mom using one to save her choking toddler. The video was caught on a camera on the house and when the child isn't coming anymore, he starts screaming which is definitely a good sign. Other parents in the comments were vouching for this device as well. A follow up on this device would've been nice instead of y'all making this man out to be a scammer or something

[micheledrane]

Who in the world would ever criticize a device that will help in chocking situations. Shame on the naysayers in this video! And, a big thanks to the man who invented this device!

[coygraham]

ABC news: Proving time on TV will motivate even highly educated professionals to make vague statements in order to get on the news for attention. I look at this, and I think "People actually get their political opinions from news stations... why?". This devices efficacy are easily evaluated with basic engineering to judge whether it is worth the risk for using if other options aren't there. The lack of common sense displayed here terrifies me.

[benjaminerrico]

What a one sided hit piece. I just got one for Christmas. Of course you can’t do a clinical trial. If it works or not depends on physics, not if it’s been tested.

[crystallovesion]

So you guys are criticizing this device! But then you're the same people that say that these jabs are good for you You can't have it both ways! The media is sickening

[Creed]

Obviously it's never been trial on humans. Like what are they supposed to do? Having someone intentionally choked by an object and unchoked it using the device while under observation?

[nathanchianderson]

It’s too bad these news stations are about drama not truth or helping people

[AR-k]

There have been many testimonials that it has saved kids

[phillip]

One of these would be great for a person living alone. It'd be very difficult to self administer a Heimlich. I know of a person who saved herself from choking by falling on the back of a chair, I'd rather have one of these on hand.