As concerns around counterfeit anti-choking devices continue to rise and ambulance response times remain under pressure, LifeVac Europe® has appointed Natalie Trice Publicity to help raise awareness around choking emergencies and the importance of fast action when every second counts.
Originally created by Arthur Lih in the United States after witnessing the heartbreaking loss of a child following a choking incident involving a simple grape, the device has helped save nearly 6,000 lives worldwide.
Designed to assist during choking emergencies when standard Basic Life Support procedures have not been successful, the device features a patented one-way safety valve system designed to generate safe and effective suction to help dislodge obstructions from the upper airway.
Manufactured in Devon for the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, LifeVac® is regulated as a Class I medical device and trusted by thousands of schools, care homes, hospitals, restaurants, parents and NHS settings.
As LifeVac Europe® approaches its tenth anniversary of the first life saved in the UK, the business plans to further expand awareness, education and access to emergency choking support, with media outreach forming a key part of this work.
Eric Banagan, Managing Director of LifeVac Europe®, said: “Thousands of lives have already been saved using LifeVac®, but we want more people to understand this regulated device exists and how to use trusted products in an emergency. The appointment of Natalie and her team is part of our ongoing work to help educate people about the options that may be available when standard procedures have not been successful.”
Natalie Trice, founder of Natalie Trice Publicity, added: “This partnership feels incredibly personal because my dad struggled with swallowing during the later stages of Alzheimer’s and I know how frightening choking risks can be for families and carers. By sharing real life stories, offering education around choking emergencies and putting counterfeit products on the media agenda, we hope to use the power of the press to help save lives when every second counts.”
Lewis Steeper, Co-Founder of The Oliver Steeper Foundation, commented: “Following the heartbreaking loss of our son, Oliver, in a choking incident, we know that a normal day can turn into an emergency within seconds. No parent, teacher, carer, or colleague ever expects to face this situation, yet it happens daily in homes, schools, nurseries, restaurants, and workplaces, and people need to be prepared. This partnership is key to helping more people discover this device before they ever need it, to save lives.”
The partnership also comes at a time of growing concern around counterfeit and unbranded anti-choking devices sold online, following a UK government safety alert warning that counterfeit anti choking devices may fail to work correctly or could worsen choking incidents if used.
Eric Banagan concluded: “There is increasing concern around unregulated devices entering the market and we are determined to help people understand which products are safe and how they should be used. Together, we hope to prevent the kind of heartbreak that led to LifeVac® being created in the first place.”
For more information visit https://www.lifevac.uk/
