Other anti-choking products require a pushing motion on the patient's face during use, which can damage the face or cause other types of injury. Lee Dechoker for its part works by a backward shooting movement, preserving the face and head of the victim. The Dechoker also uses a real container for retrieving the object involved in the choking. It also has an integrated tongue depressor, unlike other products on the market.

The package insert or “Instructions for Use” are detailed and specific and are generally sufficient for using the Dechoker device. For additional proficiency, a certified training course is recommended.

Yes. The Dechoker is CE marked.

The Dechoker is designed so as not to injure the patient. Additionally, with proper training, using the Dechoker is effective.

No. The structure of the device is such that no air is pushed into the patient. The patented and efficient design ensures that air advances due to the cross slot valve in the unit and prevents any air entry through the mouth. This tube functions as an exhaust. Air only enters the cylinder through the tube that goes into the mouth and can only exit through the cross-slotted valve.

At this point, we do not have quantitatively sufficient evidence on the ability to use it on oneself, so we do not include direction or training for this in our Instructions for Use. However, due to the simplicity of the device, the self-powered principles of the design could allow this.

The Dechoker device is a new negative pressure device that has been on the market for over 8 years. It can take up to 15 years for a policy board to accept new methods. Updates are carried out every four years. Dechoker regularly contacted these associations and worked aggressively to be added to the guidelines. Dechoker is also FDA inspected and strives to always have a safe and highly effective anti-choking device. Dechoker or anti-choking devices are fairly new.

Resuscitation guidelines support a traditional standard of care. The Dechoker should be used when current protocols fail. Due to the demand for Dechoker devices in care homes and first aid kits worldwide, the Dechoker is becoming a standard of care.

The Dechoker's suction tube is in the middle of the face mask. It can hurt the tongue. It occasionally touches the hard palate with the outer edge of the tube. Inserting the tube may rub against the tongue or hard palate and cause abrasion. This has no consequences for the patient as he suffocates and dies. Any abrasion will heal quickly without treatment. One or two pulls of the device will not cause negative pulmonary edema. It is not used long enough to cause pulmonary edema. Face mask ventilation used for long periods of time does not cause pulmonary edema.

Dechoker recommends following the Red Cross and AHA choking protocol first, and if that fails, using the Dechoker.

That's a great question! Efforts are underway to make Dechoker a standard of care. Due to the interest in the Dechoker device, it is widely anticipated that the Dechoker will be used in ambulances and other channels of care.

Yes. The Dechoker is suitable for any patient with a swallowing problem or disorder. For patients with dementia, it is recommended that the Dechoker device be administered to them (and not self-administered) as it is necessary for users to review and understand the instructions for use.

Barotrauma is usually associated with positive pressure, usually from the lower rather than upper airways, resulting from high inflation pressures and damaging the lung parenchyma. Suction devices that generate 'negative' (sub-atmospheric) pressure will not damage distal tissues beyond the larynx. The soft tissues of the oral cavity, including the tongue, can succumb to a poorly positioned device when suction is applied. A choking victim has an unrelieved obstruction in the upper airway. They can vomit without stimulation, and this could even dislodge the foreign body in the laryngopharynx? Aspiration of gastric contents is very unlikely because the esophagus will collapse, unlike the adjacent trachea.

Yes. It is recommended to add the Dechoker to training due to its ease of use and potential consistency of use. Training must take into account the availability and non-availability of Dechoker devices. If the Dechoker device is not available or out of reach, while it is retrieved from the first aid kit, it is necessary that back slaps and abdominal compressions be performed promptly. Once available, the Dechoker can be used almost instantly once current manual protocols have failed. Training on Dechoker devices is simple and “Train the Trainer” programs are available.

The Dechoker device is not recommended for neonatal (or infant) use. The devices are available in three sizes (adult, child and toddler).

Dechoker is an FDA and CE registered product, available for sale and use in countries where registrations have been obtained.

Dechoker is designed as a single-use device due to hygiene regulatory requirements.

No. The Dechoker is not delivered sterile. Although the device is manufactured in a clean environment, it is not sterilized.

Yes. The Dechoker has a lifespan of 24 months.