The Lifevac is a non-powered single patient portable suction apparatus developed for resuscitating a choking victim when standard choking protocol has been followed without success. LifeVac helps reviving a choking victim once the standard procedure of clearing the mouth of debris and the Heimlich maneuver have failed. The device is simple to use and may be the last resort to revive a choking victim when death is imminent. The unit consists of a plastic plunger with a one way valve and a facemask that attaches to the plunger.
LifeVac is designed with a patented valve to prevent any air from exiting through the mask. This patented designed valve prevents air from pushing food or objects downward. This creates a one-way suction to remove the lodged food or object.
The negative pressure generated by the force of the suction is 3 times greater (over 300 mmhg of suction) than the highest recorded choke pressure. The duration of suction is minimal so LifeVac is safe and effective.
An independent study of the LifeVac on a human cadaver has been peer reviewed and published in the American Journal Of Emergency Medicine. Results of this study suggest that the LifeVac be included as part of the guidelines used for basic life support management.
Instructions for Use
In a situation where a victim is choking, time is of great importance. If you observe a victim who appears to be choking first follow the current choking algorithm which is included in this instruction manual. If there are two people witnessing the episode, have one perform the current choking algorithm and the other ready to use the unit in case it is required. If no other witness is present, follow the current choking protocol first then obtain the unit after the protocol fails. Failure to comply with these instructions could result in death of the victim.
Contraindications for use
Patients with an endotracheal tube already in place should not have the Lifevac used. The use of this device is also contraindicated if the patient is not choking and is breathing on their own. It should not be used for uses other than resuscitating a choking victim. The device is for use only on humans. The device should only be used on the face. This device is for use only on a choking victim, it is not approved for a drowning victim. Contraindications also include hypersensitivity to plastic. This device does NOT contain latex. The device should not be used on premature infants under 8 pounds.
Risks and Benefits of use/General Warnings and Precautions
Risks of use may include bruising of the face from application of the mask, cough after removal of the object. There is a low grade risk of lung collapse from suction, and a risk of sensitivity to the materials that make up the unit. In order to avoid these risks the device must be used according to the instruction manual. Benefits include lifesaving from choking where death otherwise would be certain.
General Care
Store Lifevac at room temperature, do not store in garages or attics as extremes of heat and cold may affect the integrity of the unit. An ideal location for storage would be in a kitchen cabinet next to the fire extinguisher. The kit contains one Lifevac suction unit and three face masks- small, medium, and large or child, adolescent, and adult.
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