An ER Doc + Mom Reviews the LifeVac + Dechoker (Part 1)

The Lifevac and the Dechoker - do they WORK?

I had so many questions about these - and as both an ER doctor and mom (who likes to be prepared for everything), I wanted to know, too!

So, I went through ALL of the data, I tried it out on my family (and demo’d it for you on my husband :) ) - and here are the results!

There was so much info - I wanted you to have the full picture, not just the pretty “soundbites” that you probably see for these on social. SO - it’s a video series. Before you panic-buy one of these devices off of Amazon (no judgment there….), be sure to check it out.

Video 1 (this one): intro + brief summary
Video 2: Demo of these devices on my husband
Video 3: Data dive through the studies on efficacy - and risk of these. Plus, if I were to buy one, which one I’d choose
Video 4: How I pull it ALL together, and recommend taking care of someone who is choking - and how to do that, whether you choose to buy one of these, or not.

Most importantly, please take a CPR / first aid course, including from the @AmericanRedCross or @American_heart Association, or the virtual course “Until Help Arrives”, through a collab with @AmericanRedCross and @ACEPNation.

Comment CHOKING below and I’ll be sure to notify you when the next videos come out - and send you the link to my Choking 101 / Reference!
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NO ADVICE: This resource contains general information about medical conditions and treatments for educational and entertainment purposes, and is not a substitute for hands-on training by a certified professional. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such. If you think you may have a specific medical condition, or symptoms of such, consult a medical provider. If experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 and seek immediate medical assistance from a healthcare professional."

[elizabethfraser]

VERY important info so parents don’t waste time, as said!!!

[Shanonmcnab]

People forget how to do things even after taking first aid. The biggest problem is not practicing it on a daily basis. Even if you are a pro at it there’s no guarantee you will be able to clear the obstruction. I’ve seen lifeVac actually work. Police used it to save a child’s life. It does give hope especially for those that don’t have any experience in clearing obstructions. Time is always against you when someone has an obstruction. If something doesn’t work you have to move onto something else quickly.

[god-madevideos]

I have considered buying one of these devices simply because I live alone and the device supposedly can be self-administered. A few years ago, I was with friends and had a wade of pizza's pepperoni and cheese get stuck in my throat. I was subsequently heimliched. I'm not actually sure the maneuver was necessary given I was in distress for only about 5-10 seconds, but those few seconds got me to thinking. A person can self Heimlich but it requires a panicking person do certain things. For now, I'm going to forgo the purchase of a dechocker and rely on swallowing only when the food is adequately chewed.

[debraamato]

Ok..My concern is..if used incorrectly, the object being choked on will get lodged further! I didn't see this mentioned anywhere in their advertising! I applaud the concept but..If this device is not used correctly or the coconsumer is not made aware of this fact, you will do more harm than good and cause damage or worse! So..My question is..Can this device be used safely? Can you "plunge" down before applying the mask to the face to "plunge" upward to dislodge?

[valeriebarrow]

Ok I get that this is aimed mainly at the event of a child choking, BUT what about people who live alone, surely this is a good option to have on hand?

[instuller]

Thanks. I'm an anesthesiologist that works with the children's ministry at church, and that thought in the back of my mind... what if... Thanks. I'll pass & stick with the basics if ever needed.

[uypyiht]

When you say things like “in case you want to use these to create some MARGINAL benefit” it frames the product as not being effective at all and that it’s not even worth using. Sounds a little bias.

[JoseLozano-hion]

Bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla bla