Why I’m Not Recommending That Viral Choking Device

A Paediatric Nurse’s Calm, Professional Perspective

You’ve probably seen them on social media — suction-based anti choking devices like LifeVac or Dechoker, often promoted in dramatic videos showing a child’s life being “saved in seconds.” It’s no wonder that many anxious parents click buy now, hoping to feel more prepared.

But as a Paediatric Nurse, Health Visitor, and First Aid educator with over 30 years’ experience, I don’t recommend these devices. Not because I don’t understand the fear of choking - I do, deeply - but because these tools are often bought instead of learning essential first aid skills, which are proven, safe, and effective.

I have visited families at home or they have come to the Studio and told me they have bought the devices but they don’t know how to use them nor have the First Aid skills which should always be used first.  When I ask them, would the device always be on them, and they answer no, I share with them the concerns I'm sharing in this blog, and they realise they have been fooled by social media. 

In this post, I’ll explain:

• What the evidence really says

• Why leading medical organisations don’t endorse these devices

• The dangers of relying on gadgets you may not have on you - or know how to use - when it matters most

  
  

Plus...

I’ll offer a calmer, more confident path forward:

Real, practical knowledge that stays with you for life.  After working in Paediatric A&E for 25 years, I have never seen a child choking or known paramedics get to a home where a child is still choking - the choking technique is highly effective.   

What Are These Devices?

LifeVac and Dechoker are both suction-based airway clearance devices. They’re handheld tools that claim to remove blockages from the airway when someone is choking. They use a plunger and one-way valve system to try to suck out the obstruction.

They’re often marketed to families as essential lifesavers — and that marketing is amplified by viral videos and social media influencers. But what’s the reality behind the marketing?

The Hype: Why Are Parents Buying Them?

Social media platforms have played a huge role in popularising these devices. Videos showing a LifeVac or Dechoker “saving” a child are shocking, emotional, and shareable - and understandably, they leave parents desperate to be prepared.

But these videos often lack context:

• Was basic life support used first as it should be?

• Was the child genuinely choking with a full airway obstruction?

• Was the device actually responsible for the outcome?

• Would the device in reality be on hand? 

The result is a surge in device sales - often to people who haven’t had basic life support (BLS) or first aid training and may not understand how or when to use them safely.

What the Research and Guidelines Say

Leading medical organisations — including Resuscitation Council UK and American Red Cross — do not recommend them either. Like me, they raise concerns around safety, lack of evidence, and delays to effective action.

While these devices are registered as Class II medical devices with the FDA (U.S.) and are widely sold online, they are not approved or endorsed by leading medical organisations, including:

• Resuscitation Council UK

• American Red Cross

• St. John Ambulance

• Advanced Life Support organisations

  
  

These organisations raise serious concerns, including:

• False sense of security - leading people to skip learning actual lifesaving skills

• Lack of sufficient clinical evidence

• Delays in using proven, effective techniques (back blows and chest/ abdominal thrusts)

• Risk of injury (e.g., tooth/lip damage, aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs)

Some studies show that LifeVac might clear airways in simulations or specific cases. But again - these are small studies, often funded or influenced by the manufacturers, and do not outweigh the gold-standard guidance from paediatric emergency experts.

Not for Babies

These devices are not recommended for anyone under 22 pounds (approx. 10kg) - which includes most babies and many young toddlers.

That alone is reason enough not to buy them if you’re a parent of a weaning-age baby.

And yet, I regularly see them being bought for weaning-age babies. This is incredibly concerning.

First Aid Comes First

If you choose to buy a LifeVac or Dechoker, it's essential to understand that:

These devices should only be used after basic life support has been attempted.

According to Resuscitation Council UK and American Red Cross, the correct sequence in a choking emergency is:

1. Check for responsiveness and breathing

2. Back blows and abdominal/chest thrusts (age-appropriate)

3. CPR if the person becomes unresponsive

If you're not trained in baby or child first aid, owning one of these devices could actually delay you from taking the most effective action. I’ve worked with families who were too afraid to act because they were unsure how or when to use these tools.

Special Circumstances (e.g., SMA)

There are unique situations - such as children or adults with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) — where choking is more common due to muscle weakness. In some of these cases, airway clearance devices might be considered. But even then, it’s vital that:

• The family has been properly trained by medical professionals

• The device is used alongside, not instead of, first aid

• Other airway and breathing equipment is factored in safely

My Advice as a Paediatric Professional

I’m not here to scare you - I want you to feel calm and confident when feeding your baby. But confidence doesn’t come from buying the latest device - it comes from knowledge and preparation.

💡 Here’s what I recommend:

I’ve worked with hundreds of families who come to my First Aid courses frightened about choking - especially during weaning. After one calm, practical session, they leave feeling empowered and confident. That’s what works. Not a suction cup and a viral video.

Instead of buying a gadget that isn’t recommended for your baby, invest in learning the skills that are.

• Learn baby and child first aid. It’s the most empowering thing you can do.  In my courses you practice the choking technique on infant and child manikins to feel fully confident and have peace of mind.  The technique is easy to remember so you are not relying on a device or app.

• Understand the difference between gagging and choking - especially during weaning. 

• Practice what to do before you're in a panic.

• Don’t rely solely on a gadget.

If you already own a LifeVac or Dechoker I hope I have convinced you to make sure you or your child’s caregivers are trained in first aid.

In a true emergency, your calm presence and practical skills are what will make the biggest difference.

If you’d like to learn baby and child first aid in a relaxed, friendly setting, I’d love to help.  I offer group and 1:1 courses in your home at my Studio (GU26 6DG) or I have recorded courses you can watch in your own time - and they include a special section on gagging and choking so you feel calm with what to do during weaning. 💚

Let’s turn fear into calm confidence — one step at a time.

Because relaxed parents = safer, happier babies.

Click to find out more about this online course

Click to find out more about this online course