LifeVac Home Kit

Why LifeVac?

• Did you know that there are over 5,000 choking deaths a year?
• Choking is the fourth most common cause of unintentional injury death among young children.
• One child dies every 5 days from a choking tragedy.
• According to the National Safety Council, choking is the fourth most common cause of unintentional injury death and is preventable.
• The most obvious risk of choking is death. However, irreversible brain damage caused by lack of oxygen to the brain sets in after only 4-6 minutes.
• LifeVac is the ONLY portable, non-invasive airway clearance device that is registered and fully regulated by the FDA as a class II suction device and is also peer-reviewed by the medical industry. LifeVac is intended to be used after all choking rescue protocols have failed and is currently implemented in fire departments, police departments, and EMS agencies across the US and internationally. Current BLS protocols all revolve around generating pressure underneath the object obstructing the airway. What differentiates LifeVac is that it implements noninvasive suction from the mouth of the choking victim.  LifeVac uses a patented design that involves a one-way valve system which means that when applied, LifeVac vents air OUTSIDE the unit and does not push air into the victim. The rescue device simply uses a short burst of suction, with minimal air volume, to mimic a forceful cough. When the handle of the plunger is pushed down, air escapes out the sides of the valve and not into the victim’s airway; when the plunger handle is pulled back, it generates negative pressure, and suctions out the lodged material.  Suction equipment is a vital part of emergency care and many states have already built this into their rescue protocols. Supported by a growing number of peer-reviewed medical studies and expert
opinions that validate LifeVac as a safe and effective device for airway clearance, we strongly believe that LifeVac is an essential piece of gear that can assist lay people and first responders in choking related emergencies. As there is no better endorsement than the testimony of those who have used it in an actual emergency, please see the link below for a real-life example of how LifeVac saves lives.

Commonly Asked Questions:

• How does LifeVac work?
LifeVac is a simple airway clearance device that can be used on adults and children, requires only seconds to use, and can be administered by anyone in a choking emergency. Our patented design utilizes non invasive suction and a one-way valve system to remove food, phlegm, or a foreign object that is lodged in a person’s throat or windpipe, causing an airway obstruction. To operate this life saving device, it is as easy as placing the mask over the victim’s nose and mouth, pushing down on the LifeVac handle, and pulling it back up rapidly.
• Can LifeVac potentially push the obstruction further down or injure a victim by accident?
No. LifeVac uses a one-way valve system which means that when applied, LifeVac vents air OUTSIDE the unit and does not push air into the victim. The rescue device simply uses a short burst of suction, with minimal air volume, to mimic a forceful cough. When the plunger is pushed down, the bellows compress and air escapes out the sides of the valve and not into the victim’s airway; when the plunger is pulled back, negative pressure is generated, and it suctions out the lodged material.
• What are the differences between the various LifeVac kits?
While the actual life saving device in the different kits is the same, the EMS Kit is geared toward professional use, such as EMS agencies and fire and police departments, and does not include a practice mask or literature on choking prevention and safety tips. The Home Kit is designed for use by the general public and provides customers with both an adult and pediatric mask, as well as a practice mask that can be used to familiarize customers with the life saving device. Once you and your family members are comfortable using the suction device, you should take off the test mask and discard it. Additionally, this kit comes with choking prevention and safety tips literature. The Travel Kit is packaged in a yellow zip-up bag for easy storage and does not include a practice mask or additional literature on choking prevention and safety tips. This kit is specifically designed for those who already have a home kit and would like an additional unit to take on the go with them. We do not recommend storing the unit with a mask attached as you do not know which mask you would need, adult or pediatric, in the event of a choking emergency.
• Can LifeVac be used on yourself?
Yes. LifeVac can be self-administered. It is especially helpful for those that live alone as it is difficult to selfHeimlich.
• Can LifeVac be used on someone in a wheelchair?
Yes. LifeVac is especially useful for individuals in a wheelchair as other lifesaving protocols for choking can be extremely challenging to perform effectively.
• Is LifeVac approved by the FDA?
In the United States, LifeVac is registered with and fully regulated by the FDA as a Class 2 Suction Apparatus and is exempt from pre-market clearance. Furthermore, it is the only non-invasive airway clearance device to be peer reviewed by the medical industry.

• At what age can the pediatric mask be used?
There is no definitive age for a pediatric mask to be used. Per our mask manufacturer, 22 pounds is the recommended minimum weight for the pediatric mask to fit properly over the mouth and nose to provide a good seal and allow LifeVac to be as effective as possible. However, LifeVac has been used successfully under that weight at the discretion of a parent and after all other choking rescue procedures were performed and had failed.
• Can LifeVac be used before the Heimlich?
LifeVac is an additional rescue option that is intended to be used after all choking rescue procedures have failed. However, when other BLS methods are impossible to perform, it can be a critical, life-saving tool for infants, elderly, disabled, frail and obese people for whom the Abdominal Thrust Maneuver is not recommended.
• Can LifeVac be used multiple times?
The LifeVac device is a one-time-use rescue device. Thus, if the apparatus is used in a choking emergency, the unit should not be used again for sanitary reasons. If you have used your LifeVac device to save a life, please contact us through our website to fill out a “Life Saved” report and we will gladly replace your unit free of charge. The LifeVac unit can be used multiple times if the obstruction is not dislodged on the first application.
• Is LifeVac most effective when used standing or sitting?
LifeVac can be used in any position: standing, sitting, or prone. In fact, we have documented lives saved in each of these positions.
• Is LifeVac used by hospitals, fire departments, police departments, and on ambulances?
LifeVac is an additional rescue tool that has been used around the world by all the above to save lives when Basic Life Saving protocols have failed.
• When do I need to purchase a new mask?
Masks should be inspected periodically and replaced every 2 - 3 years. Each mask is labeled with an expiration date on the original packaging. Replacement masks are sold on our website for $5.95.
• How do I remove the mask from the unit?
We recommend using 4 fingers on the inside of the mask and putting your thumb on the outside in a twisting motion. If the mask is inserted too far into the unit, it may be difficult to remove. If you are unable to remove the mask, please let us know and we will replace the entire unit.
• Can LifeVac be stored in extreme temperatures?
We do not recommend storing the LifeVac device in extreme temperatures for extended periods of time. However, the LifeVac device has independent testing performed in extreme temperatures and functioned properly after testing was complete.