Millie’s Mark – Views on LifeVacs and other anti-choking suction devices

Millie’s Mark nurseries and National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) members have been inquiring into the use of LifeVacs and other anti-choking suction devices that are designed to suck out obstructions from windpipes.

These devices we understand are being marketed directly to parents on their social media channels. Some parents are asking to bring them into nursery in case of an emergency.

Millie’s Mark, administered by NDNA on behalf of Millie’s Trust, follows advice and information from the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

MHRA is very clear that the two regulated anti-choking devices manufactured by LifeVac and Dechoker are only to be used once all other established lifesaving attempts and protocols have failed.

The RCUK does not currently support their use due to insufficient research and evidence on their safety or effectiveness. They are concerned that the use of these devices could delay established interventions for choking.

The Paediatric First Aid course does not give any training on the use of these devices which is in keeping with the RCUK guidelines. If someone is choking, the training advice is to encourage the conscious person to cough. If coughing becomes ineffective, give back blows and abdominal thrusts for adults/children, and chest thrusts if they are an infant.

If the person becomes unconscious, start CPR without delay. Avoid inserting anything into the mouth in an attempt to remove a foreign body, as it may inadvertently drive it further into the airway.

Until the regulatory bodies change their guidance and promote the training of how to use these products safely as part of the paediatric first aid course, Millie’s Mark, Millie’s Trust and NDNA will continue to follow their advice and give out this advice to others.