City of Hilliard police officers are carrying a new device designed to save lives in choking emergencies.
This month, every officer is being trained on the device, known as the LifeVac. Each police patrol car has been equipped with one, and the Division’s six school resource officers will keep one in each of their school buildings.
Chief of Police Michael Woods said the device is easy to use. An officer would place a mask around the choking person’s face and push in the plunger-like handle to create a tight seal. The officer would then pull out on the handle to create a vacuum suction that dislodges obstructions blocking the person’s airway.
The procedure, according to LifeVac, replicates a forced cough to expel an object out of a choking person’s throat. The company’s website states that the device has saved children ranging from 3 weeks to 13 years old.
The device is particularly helpful in situations where the Heimlich maneuver is not feasible.
“Police officers are often among the first on the scene of a medical emergency such as choking,” Chief Woods said. “Equipping our officers with these devices is a valuable step towards saving lives in critical moments when every second can count.”
He noted that officers continue to be trained in the Heimlich maneuver, CPR, and other first-aid responses.
