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Anti-choking devices now in new American Red Cross recommendations for airway obstruction
Photo, LifeVac
The last update to airway obstruction protocols occurred in 1976, making this the first significant revision in 47 years. Based on the findings of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, an anti-choking device is now part of the recommended guidelines to be used in the event of protocol failure or when traditional methods cannot be administered, such as in cases involving individuals in wheelchairs.
Given these updated guidelines, all individuals and institutions adhering to ARC protocols are advised to equip themselves with an anti-choking device. LifeVac, in particular, has been extensively studied and is overwhelmingly referenced in this context.
“This update provides EMS and EMT personnel with advanced tools to save more lives, while also marking a significant step forward for individuals with disabilities, who now have an option in choking emergencies—something that was previously unavailable to this vulnerable group. We are incredibly proud of the ARC for their life-saving research. As we approach 3,000 lives saved, we look forward to seeing LifeVac in every institution and home, with the goal of ending the 5,000 choking deaths that occur each year,” said Arthur Lih, Founder and CEO of LifeVac.
The American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council is composed of nationally recognized experts from diverse fields including emergency medicine, pediatrics, and disaster response. The council offers evidence-based recommendations and guidance on health and safety practices to help ensure that Red Cross programs align with the highest standards of care.
LifeVac is a non-invasive, portable choking rescue device developed to offer a solution in choking emergencies. To date, LifeVac has saved over 2,986 lives and is trusted by households, schools, and healthcare providers worldwide.
LifeVac’s website – here: https://lifevac.net/training/
ARC Council Action
“The Council voted unanimously to approve the recommendations,” (“First Aid Sub-Council,” 2023). First Aid Sub-Council. (2023). Proceedings: The Journal of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, 11(2).
About the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council
The American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council (ARCSAC) ensures the clinical and educational basis for Red Cross programs, products and guidance. The ARCSAC is a panel of 60+ nationally and internationally recognized experts in resuscitation, emergency medicine, critical care, infectious disease, trauma, nursing, first aid, education, special populations, prehospital medicine and systems, hospital-based medicine, quality and performance improvement, graduate and undergraduate medical education, continuing education, aquatics, and preparedness and disaster health. They review the available evidence to create scientific reviews, answers to questions, literature updates, and position statements. Their guidance is incorporated into curricula for all Red Cross courses. The ARCSAC has been instrumental in providing scientific reviews used in formulating evidence-based guidelines for the Focused Updates and Guidelines 2021, and for providing expert opinion when evidence is lacking. The digital publication of the Focused Updates and Guidelines 2021 will allow incorporation of critical
new evidence or guidelines as needed, including sepsis, where the science is rapidly evolving.
Holiday Gifts – that matter
Publisher’s Note: Don’t know what to give to family members this holiday season? LifeVac (which was given to family members with young children in our family last December) is a perfect gift. With the Red Cross acknowledgement, one might expect a run on sales, so order early – you can order through LifeVac – or Amazon. Give the gift that might one day save a life. Look for discounts before you buy. LifeVac recommends families have at least 2, 1 at home and 1 in their car.
But, of course, learning the lifesaving skill of CPR and First Aid is step #1. Why not put together a package for the family of CPR/First Aid classes and the device?
LifeVac is on sale right now – while it is not cheap, neither is a precious life: HERE!