Life Saved #3241

On September 4th, 2024 a 67 year old woman choked on a fish bone causing a partial obstruction. Protocol was not followed as LifeVac was self-administered. LifeVac removed the obstruction on its third use. She described the incident as follows:

“I would like to thank you for advertising this life saving device. I have seen videos in the past and was always thinking of purchasing a LifeVac kit. I admittedly put it off for some time but would advise others not to wait. My elderly mother (97) with dementia was beginning to have trouble swallowing. I purchased 2 kits so I would have one in the car with me and one in my house. I didn’t think I would be the one that would actually need to use the LifeVac.

On September 4th, 2024 I decided to purchase fresh fish and cook it myself. My husband was working, he always checks purchased fish for bones. He usually catches our fish and filets it himself. Never had a problem. But this day a pretty good size bone was lodged in my throat and it was scary. It was a bit over an inch. My reflexes kept making me swallow and I was so nervous that the bone would move down my throat further. Quickly, I remembered the LifeVac. You have to get a good seal around your face. I have a small facial structure but the regular size mask worked fine for me. It took the 3rd  pull for me to get the bone pulled out. I now know how to get that good suction on the first try for any future needs! I can’t tell you how important it is to have this life saving device on hand just in case. When I could feel the bone coming out along with quite a bit of mucus it was such a relief!

I decided to write to LifeVac and they reached out to me and asked if it was okay to share my experience. I was happy to, hopefully my story will help someone else. I hope I never need to use it again but I am relieved that I have it just in case!”

Donna B.