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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages the public to follow established choking rescue protocols, which are step-by-step guides, approved by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association to relieve the airway obstruction in choking victims.

These rescue protocols include abdominal thrusts (also called the “Heimlich” maneuver) for children and adults. These protocols do not include anti-choking devices. The safety and effectiveness of anti-choking devices that are being sold over-the-counter have not been established; they are not FDA approved or cleared. Consumers should be aware that using anti-choking devices first could delay action, as consumers usually have to take them out of packaging, assemble them, and follow device instructions, which may delay the use of established rescue protocols.

IDPH has received requests for the use of suction anti-choking devices by EMS Provides thru their EMS System to be included as new pieces of equipment on their EMS vehicles.

In an effort to consistently provide safe, evidence-based, and data driven care to the people of Illinois, we rely on equipment that have stood the rigors of research and proven benefit including equipment approved by the FDA.

At this time, these devices (ex. LifeVac, DeCHOKER, etc.) are not approved for use by the FDA or by IDPH and if used, could delay treatments that have been shown to be effective. In addition, this device may cause serious injuries. We strive to operate based upon evidence, and not anecdote, and any such device shall not be stocked, deployed, or utilized on any emergency service vehicles licensed and operating with IDPH approved protocols.

Over the past few months, many school districts have been contacted about the use of the LifeVac device during an acute choking episode. At this time, unbiased, peer reviewed data to support its use is lacking. The device is not approved by the FDA and has not been endorsed by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. The American Academy of Pediatrics, in 2021, published a statement warranting further research of use of LifeVac in resuscitation of pediatric choking victims if established protocols fail. Current Basic Life Support training provides the universally accepted choking guidelines for both the pediatric and adult populations.

Please also note that the LifeVac website states the device is "FDA Registered", which is not the same as FDA Approved. Please see the following link for an explanation of the difference: Are There "FDA Registered" or "FDA Certified" Medical Devices? How Do I Know What Is FDA Approved?

The New Jersey Department of Health (Department) Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) recognizes that there are several devices marketed to be used in the case of a foreign body airway obstruction (choking) in the community setting. Such devices include but are not limited to, Lifevac and Dechoker.

...OEMS does not endorse, nor approve of the utilization of these devices by pre-hospital health care providers (EMTs, paramedics, etc.) in pre-hospital settings or during non-emergency medical transports. As such, OEMS continues to endorse that pre-hospital providers follow AHA guidelines and the National EMS Scope of Practice for the management of foreign body airway obstruction appropriate to their level of training.

Given there are no specialty societies (including The American Heart Association, The American Red Cross, and the 2022 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care) that support the use of anti-choking devices, and that the American Academy of Pediatrics does not have a policy in place, we cannot advocate in favor of the use of these.

St. Luke's (Childrens Hospital) warns parents about anti-choking devices, encourages CPR training by Erin Sheridan, Idaho Press, May 13, 2021

Legislation requiring anti-choking devices in schools draws doctors’ concern by Dana DiFilippo, January 7, 2022

I’m a nurse and mom and this is what you need to know about anti-choking devices by Sarah Hunstead RN, Pediatric nurse and CPR Kids founder, New York Post, August 8, 2023

What to Know Before You Buy the LifeVac Anti-Choking Device for Your Baby - Experts caution that while the product is promising, safety and effectiveness concerns exist by Angela Lashbrook, Consumer Reports, October 19, 2023

One ER doctor and mom explains if anti-choking devices actually work - Brands like LifeVac and DeChoker are growing in popularity among parents, but can they help in an emergency? Medically reviewed by Darria Long, M.D., emergency physician, BabyCenter.com, February 13, 2024

What’s an Anti-Choking Device and Does It Work? by Christine Giordano, MD, Reviewed by Mandy Armitage, MD, GoodRX.com, September 10, 2024