Life-threatening choking emergencies happen every day across the UK. And while many are resolved using recognised first aid techniques, sadly some are not.
This raises an important question for every school leader: If someone in your school experienced a choking emergency tomorrow, would your staff have everything they need to respond?
A risk every school should consider
Many people associate choking with babies and toddlers, but it can happen anywhere at any time. That includes inside education settings during the school day and during extra-curricular activities.
Yes, younger children are naturally more at risk because they have smaller airways. They’re still developing their chewing and swallowing skills and can get excited and distracted while eating with friends.
The reality, however, is that choking emergencies are not limited to early years.
Schools may also support pupils with additional needs, swallowing difficulties or medical conditions that increase their risk. Staff, parents and visitors can also choke during lunches, meetings, performances, fundraising events or community activities held on school premises.
Unlike many medical emergencies, someone who is choking may be unable to call out for help. So the situation can deteriorate quickly, often before emergency services are able to arrive.
First aid always comes first
The recognised response to a choking emergency should always follow current Basic Life Support guidance. Encourage coughing where appropriate, followed by back blows and abdominal thrusts, remains the first line of treatment.
However, as with any emergency intervention, there are occasions when these techniques are unsuccessful or cannot be performed. This is why an increasing number of schools across the UK and around the world are working with LifeVac Europe® and installing anti-choking devices as part of their first aid kit.
LifeVac® was designed in the US and is a non-invasive airway clearance device designed to be used only when standard Basic Life Support procedures have been attempted without success or cannot be performed. It provides an additional option in those rare but critical situations where every second counts.
A changing approach to school safety
Over the past decade, schools have embraced defibrillators as an important part of emergency planning and it is fair to say that few would now question the value of having one readily available.
The conversation around choking preparedness is beginning to follow a similar path. Schools, trusts and early years settings are reviewing their emergency response plans to determine whether additional airway clearance devices should be available as part of their safeguarding provision.
Community partnerships are helping to lead the way. For example, in Scotland, one regional SPAR convenience store has worked with local schools to fund LifeVac® devices, demonstrating how businesses and education settings can work together to improve emergency preparedness before a tragedy occurs.
A school case study
One school taking LifeVac® on board is Fletewood School in Plymouth.
Headteacher Rachel Gray said, “I genuinely believe the LifeVac® device will be invaluable in keeping children safe across our school and nursery. In environments where little ones are constantly exploring, learning, and growing, having an additional, reliable tool to respond to a choking emergency brings an extraordinary level of reassurance.
“For parents, it offers real peace of mind knowing their children are protected by every possible measure. For our staff, it provides confidence and calm, an extra layer of support that empowers them to act swiftly and effectively should the unexpected occur.
“LifeVac® doesn’t just enhance safety; it strengthens trust, comfort, and the sense of security that every school and nursery community deserves.”
Ultimately, no school ever wants to use an emergency device. However, knowing it is available can provide reassurance for staff who carry enormous responsibility every day.
A procurement warning
As awareness of anti-choking devices has increased, so too has the availability of imitation products.
In 2024, the UK Government issued a safety alert warning about counterfeit anti-choking devices entering the UK market. This highlighted concerns that counterfeit products may fail during an emergency or even worsen a choking incident.
For leaders and school business managers, this serves as an important reminder that any medical device should be purchased through reputable suppliers and meet recognised regulatory standards.
When reviewing emergency equipment, quality and compliance should be given the same consideration as cost.
Questions every school should ask
Reviewing choking preparedness is an important part of safeguarding and teams may wish to consider:
- Do staff know the signs of choking?
- Does first aid training include choking response, with regular refreshers?
- Have pupils with swallowing difficulties or additional needs been considered within risk assessments?
- Is your emergency equipment appropriate for the needs of your setting?
- Are any/all medical devices in school purchased from trusted suppliers and compliant with current regulations?
Reflecting on choking preparedness
Safeguarding measures don’t exist because we expect something to happen, but because if they do we know we are prepared. For example, caretakers install smoke alarms because fires are rare but devastating, schools invest in defibrillators because rapid intervention saves lives, and staff are offered first aid training because it pays to be prepared.
With this said, choking emergencies must have the same level of consideration. This is why we believe that every school and education setting should feel confident that it has reviewed the risk, considered the options and ensured staff are as prepared as possible should the unexpected happen.
We believe that when an emergency occurs, preparation is measured not by what we intended to do, but by what was already in place, and we hope LifeVac® will be a part of that.
Eric Banagan is Founder and Managing Director of LifeVac Europe®, the Devon-based manufacturer and distributor of LifeVac across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
LifeVac® is a Class I medical device designed to be used when recognised Basic Life Support procedures have been attempted without success or cannot be performed. There have now been almost 6,280 reported lives saved worldwide using LifeVac®.
