LifeVac LV14 is a Travel Kit with a suction airway clearance device for people who are choking. The device generates brief, controlled negative pressure that can help remove a foreign body blocking the airway. It is used as a supplement to the standard procedure – when back blows and abdominal thrusts have not worked.
The design is completely non-invasive: the mask covers the casualty's mouth and nose, and nothing is inserted into the mouth or airway. As a result, using the device carries no risk of damaging teeth, gums, palate or tongue. Operation comes down to three easy-to-remember movements: place the mask, push the handle towards the face, pull the handle towards you.
The LifeVac LV14 kit contains the LifeVac device and a set of masks: a large adult mask (orange label), a small adult/child mask (yellow label), a paediatric mask (white label) and a practice mask (green label) that lets you get to know how the device works before an emergency. Everything is packed in a yellow travel pouch together with the instructions for use (including a page with the BLS protocol), a feedback card and a window or door sticker.
This kit is especially for parents and carers of young children, carers of the elderly and people with swallowing difficulties, as well as nurseries, preschools, care homes and restaurants. The device is single-use and supplied non-sterile. If you are looking for a version to hang in a fixed place, also see the LifeVac LV08 in a case.
Why have a LifeVac LV14 to hand?
Choking is a situation where every second counts – complete airway obstruction very quickly leads to loss of consciousness. It most often affects young children, who explore the world by putting objects in their mouths, and older people, whose swallowing reflex is weakened. LifeVac LV14 in a travel pouch is easy to take wherever the child or older person happens to be. Before using the LifeVac LV14 for the first time, it is worth practising the movements on the practice mask.
Standard actions always remain the basis of help: encouraging coughing, back blows between the shoulder blades and abdominal thrusts (in infants – chest thrusts). LifeVac is an additional tool for the moment when these actions do not work. The travel pouch means the device can be wherever you are – not just in a cupboard at home.
Masks in three sizes let you fit the device to an adult, an older child and a young child. A tight seal around the mouth and nose is essential for it to work, so it is worth checking in advance which mask fits each member of the household.
Choking – first aid step by step
If the casualty is coughing, encourage them to keep coughing and watch them. When the cough becomes ineffective, give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades, followed by up to 5 abdominal thrusts, alternately. If this does not help, call 112 and – according to the instructions – you may use the LifeVac device. If the casualty loses consciousness, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
We describe it in detail, separately for adults, children and infants, in the chapter of our guide Choking – worth reading before the situation catches you by surprise at the table.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does LifeVac replace back blows and abdominal thrusts?
No. LifeVac supplements standard first aid for choking – you reach for it when the basic actions have not worked.
What is the practice mask with the green label for?
It lets you safely get to know how the device works and practise the movements before a possible emergency.
What is the difference between LifeVac LV14 and LV08?
LV14 is the travel version in a handy pouch that is easy to take with you. LV08 is a kit in a case, intended for a fixed place, e.g. in a facility or workplace.
