According to Injury Facts 2017, choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury death in children. As a mom of a toddler who seems to be overzealous in the oral fixation stage and LOVES to put things in his mouth I have always kept a refresh on my CPR certification. I now have a baby starting solids here in the next month as well, and I am refreshing all the safety protocols. The Heimlich doesn’t feel like it is always going to workin my mind, but thankfully I have only had one choking scare so far.

I reached out to Life Vac months ago trying to understand their product. A few weeks ago they were looking for bloggers to review LifeVac, and as a mom worried about choking with two kiddos I LEAPED to ask them if I could be a part of this. I was not compensated to review the product, opinions are my own. 

I hope I never have to use my LifeVac, but the device after learning about it? I will always make sure it is up to date and near our dining area.

It is a single use apparatus, that is to be used after choking protocols are used- and fail. It should only be used to remove an object/food blocking an airway.

My FAVORITE part? I can use it on myself. If I was home alone with my kids choking, an odd off handed fear/thought of mine, I would be able to use it to try to clear my own airway as a last resort to clear my airway.

Preventing choking in Kids

1. Always be present, feeding developmentally appropriate foods.
2. Avoid feeding certain foods like hard candies, popcorn, grapes, hotdogs, chunks of nut butters, lollipops, etc.
3. Small toys, coins, items that can fit in mouths- just keep out of reach.
4. Do not feed in car or allow eating while running or playing.
5. Cutting food to the tiny size, for example a hot dog length and width cuts so they look like tiny half moons.
6. When using spreads, make sure the nut butter or thick spread is thin on crackers etc.

Signs of Choking

Coughing or gagging

Clutching throat or pointing to throat

Suddenly unable to talk or breathe

Get a class at your local hospital or Red Cross. CPR for pediatrics is not the same as adults and as a parent or caregiver it is so important you stay fresh and keep up to date. Create that muscle memory so you can utilize it in emergencies without hesitation. Every second counts.

Why I wanted a LifeVac? Why you need one.

I was so skeptical and asked SO many questions to their instagram team as a follower before the opportunity arose to review the product. I couldn’t comprehend how it didn’t shove the object in deeper, or why it was effective.

It is when you fail at following standard choking procedure. It is the last step in saving a life, but it is so effective.

The negative pressure generated by the force of the suction is 3 times greater than the highest recorded abdominal thrusts. 

The duration of suction is minimal so LifeVac is safe and effective.

It is FDA registered as well. 

The LifeVac comes with two mask sizes, Adult and Pediatric- to help you save anyone in your household, or even take it on the go. It requires no power source, and is put together in seconds to be used in emergencies.

The LifeVac isn’t just for children, it can save any adult as well. Adults as they age or if they have health conditions like Parkinson’s, MS, ALS, and others can increase their chances of choking. The third leading cause of death over the age of 75, and SECOND leading cause of death or unintentional injuries 89 years or older.

I know that I want to have tried everything I could in those precious seconds of emergency, and after reading and researching I am happy to have LifeVac in my home-  but I hope to never need to use it.

It is such a simple product, that can save lives. Prevention can only go so far and I hope by the time my kiddos are in school every school has access to a LifeVac.