Waveny LifeCare Network announces that it has installed seven LifeVac non-invasive upper airway clearing devices across its New Canaan campuses to help mitigate potential risk or injury due to choking.
LifeVac, a portable, non-invasive handheld device, can be used for emergency airway clearance where standard basic life support protocols have failed. The resident can be in any position including sitting, standing or laying down to remove the obstruction using powerful suction created by the device.
Choking is the fourth most common cause of unintentional injury death, with 3,000 deaths from choking in 2020. Waveny has reported no choking-related deaths or injuries in over ten years, however partial obstruction incidents are unavoidable given the patient population and the prevalence of Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, in people age 60 and older.
“Numerous family members have approached me to voice approval of LiveVac and the extra layer of protection that it provides for their vulnerable relatives who are at elevated risk for airway obstruction,” said Ian Power, Speech-Language Pathologist and Waveny’s Outpatient Clinic Director.
The device works by placing the LifeVac mask over the resident’s mouth and nose, creating a tight seal to prevent air leaking and decreasing suction. The plunger is depressed and firmly pulled back. The procedure may be repeated to achieve clearance of the airway.
“LifeVac offers piece of mind to our residents and their families,” said Francoise Coffy-Michel, RN, Executive Director of Waveny’s Memory Care-Assisted Living community. “If a choking occurs in our dining room and standard maneuvers fail to clear the airway, we have LifeVac ready. The safety and security of our residents is our top priority.”
