The Need for a Dechoker
Several years ago, my son choked on a grape. I saw him choking and I started initiating upper back slaps. Luckily, the grape dislodged. In reality, he choked for less than 10 seconds, but it felt like he was choking for minutes. It was traumatizing. I still think about the incident. After the incident, I went online to find out if there was anything I could do to prevent or prepare myself for another chocking incident. While there is no way to prevent a choking incident, I did learn about, negative pressure dechokers, like the LifeVac and Dechoker.
These negative pressure dechokers operate on the principle of creating a vacuum or suction within the airway to dislodge foreign objects obstructing a person’s breathing. I went ahead and purchased several Dechokers – one for the home and one remains in the car.
Choking Statistics
Choking statistics in the United States are shocking. In 2021, 5,325 people choked to death. According to researcher John Elfien, in the United States, the odds of one dying from choking on food is around 1 in 2,659. These odds are greater than the odds of dying from an accidental gun discharge or as a passenger on a plane. Choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional death, the leading cause of infantile death, and the fourth leading cause of death among preschool children. The most common objects on which children choke are food, coins, balloons, and other toys.
How Dechokers Work
When a person is choking, a foreign object, such as food or a small object, blocks the airway, preventing normal breathing. Negative pressure dechokers utilize suction to remove this obstruction. The device is designed with a mask or a seal that is placed over the mouth and nose of the person experiencing the choking episode.
As the negative pressure builds up, it creates a force that pulls the obstructing object out of the person’s airway. The suction force helps to dislodge the foreign body, allowing the person to breathe freely again.
Dechoker
After my son’s choking incident, my wife and I purchased two Dechokers. Check out how the Dechoker works. You can also get Dechoker on Amazon.
While the product appears to be a life saver, you should be aware of several things. For example, Dechoker advises that you should follow Redcross and AHA coking protocol – for both conscious and unconscious patients – and then turn to the Dechoker. Also, it apparently has only a 2-year shelf life.
If you do purchase a Dechoker, make yourself very familiar with its use and make sure you buy one for the appropriate age – toddler, child, or adult. It is not recommended for infant use.
Lifevac
Lifevac is another popular dechoker. It differs from the Dechoker in several ways – no built-in tongue depressor and you have to push down on the product to use it. Check out the Lifevac kits. You can also get the Lifevac on Amazon.
Lifevac may not be suitable for all choking scenarios. I definitely suggest reviewing the frequently asked questions section and watching the training videos to make sure you are prepared to use the Lifevac.
Lifevac claims its product is equipped to be used on persons starting at 22 pounds utilizing the pediatric mask. However, it also claims that LifeVac has safely saved children ranging from 3 weeks old to 13 years old. The product is a one-time use only airway clearing device. However, if the product is used in a choking incident, Lifevac will replace your product free of charge.
I hope I never have to use the Dechoker. But if I have to, I do feel capable of using it.