Rising Choking Risks Among Seniors: Can These Innovative Devices Save Lives?

NEW YORK — In September 2019, David Palumbo witnessed one of the scariest moments of his career. An 88-year-old man at a Providence, Rhode Island, restaurant had choked on a piece of bread. With no air reaching his lungs, time was running out. First responders struggled for precious minutes until Palumbo, a fire captain, used a tool called Magill forceps to save him. Thankfully, the man recovered.

Sadly, choking is a serious threat to older adults. Each year, more than 4,100 Americans aged 65 and above lose their lives due to choking incidents. This age group accounts for about 75% of choking deaths in the U.S., according to federal health data. As the population ages, the number of such incidents continues to rise.

In light of this, various companies have introduced anti-choking devices aimed at seniors. Products like LifeVac, SaveLix, VitalVac, and Dechoker claim to provide a safety net for those at risk.

Dr. Nathan Charlton, an emergency medicine professor at the University of Virginia and an advisor to the American Red Cross, notes that there’s limited evidence supporting these devices. He emphasizes the ongoing evaluation to determine their effectiveness and safety.

Choking happens when an object blocks the windpipe. Signs to watch for include someone clutching their neck or being unable to speak. Without help, brain damage can occur within four minutes, and death can follow shortly after.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable due to weakened throat muscles, reduced saliva production, chronic diseases, and medications that affect swallowing. Dentures can also pose additional risks.

To minimize choking risks, it’s important to:

• Cut food into small pieces
• Chew slowly
• Drink liquids during meals
• Avoid laughing or talking while chewing

If someone is choking, traditional methods like back slaps and the Heimlich maneuver can be effective. The American Red Cross recommends alternating between back blows and abdominal thrusts when helping someone in distress.

But what if the person is alone? There are ways to administer a Heimlich maneuver using a chair’s backrest for support, but seniors may struggle with this.

New anti-choking devices operate differently. They often consist of a mask connected to a suction mechanism, allowing the user to create suction to remove the obstruction. However, some studies have shown that these devices could lead to injuries, including bleeding or bruising.

The FDA has issued warnings about these products, emphasizing that while they may be registered, they aren’t approved for public use due to unproven effectiveness.

Experts agree that tried-and-true methods like back slaps and abdominal thrusts should be prioritized in choking emergencies. Even some manufacturers of anti-choking devices recognize this. For example, the Acworth, Georgia, police department equipped all patrol cars with LifeVac devices after a local officer successfully used one to save a choking victim.

Research is still lacking on the effectiveness of these newer devices. Dr. Cody Dunne from the University of Calgary highlights the need for more rigorous studies to determine how well these devices work compared to traditional methods. He points out that evidence is also evolving regarding traditional techniques like the Heimlich maneuver.

In conclusion, while new inventions aim to help prevent choking, the safest approach remains familiar methods proven over the years. Better understanding and awareness can save lives, especially for our senior population.

For further information on choking prevention, you can refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for reliable resources.

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