LifeVac™
Purpose
Tool to help clear the airway of a choking victim.
Description
The LifeVac™ is a non-powered, non-invasive, single-use-only airway clearance device developed for resuscitating a victim with an airway obstruction when current choking protocols have been followed without success. LifeVac has a one-way valve that does not allow any air to enter a choking victim on the downward motion. The duration of the suction is minimal which makes LifeVac safer. If an individual with FOP chokes on a food item, this may be a way to help clear the airway if the heimlich maneuver is not successful. However, if the individual with FOP also has a fused jaw, the obstruction still may not be able to exit the mouth and precautions should be taken to prevent the item from slipping back down the throat. This is also why many individuals with FOP consider having teeth removed as a preventative measure to allow obstructions or vomit to exit the mouth despite having a jaw that is fused and cannot open.
Tips
It is extremely important to discuss a choking plan with your doctor and determine the best protocols to follow should your loved one with FOP find themselves choking. It is also important to get training on choking and first aid interventions so that caregivers and family members know how to respond in an emergency situation.
The LifeVac™ website has opportunities to sign up for CPR and LifeVac™ trainings, choking prevention tips, and a few common “Do’s and Don’ts” for choking emergencies. lifevac.net
Lastly, choking is the #1 cause of accidental death in schools, and LifeVac™ believes that NO option is NOT AN OPTION! All children deserve a chance in a choking emergency including those in a wheelchair, those with a scoliosis brace or with other disabilities. For this reason, LifeVac™ offers 20% off of the School Kits which includes 4 individually-packaged units.
Where to purchase
Watch how LifeVac works: