LifeVac in Early Years Settings – Clearing Up Misunderstandings

We’re aware that LifeVac has been the subject of discussion in several Early Years groups on Facebook. While we cannot be part of those conversations, misinformation sometimes spreads and that can lead settings to hesitate using a device in an actual choking emergency, when every second counts.

We want to be crystal clear on the facts, especially regarding insurance, regulation, and safety.

Insurance & Use

• We always recommend that settings receiving a donated device contact their insurer.

• To date, we have distributed over 1,650 LifeVac devices across the UK. Not a single provider has reported an insurance issue, so long as standard first aid is attempted first in line with recognised protocols.

• From our conversations with insurance firms: they accept LifeVac use only after first aid has failed or cannot be performed.

• LifeVac Europe Limited, being a medical device manufacturer, LifeVac Europe have full product and public liability insurance which also covers the end user.

Morton Michel, specialist childcare insurance provider made this comment to The Oliver Steeper Foundation in December 2025:

"Morton Michel confirms that the use of anti-choking devices such as LifeVac is covered under our childcare insurance policies. Provided the device is purchased from a reputable UK supplier. Cover applies where the device is used as a last-resort intervention, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and by individuals who have received suitable training and understand both the correct use and limitations of the device.

Where these conditions are met, the use of LifeVac is treated as an insured activity under the policy, subject to the standard terms and conditions of cover."

Ofsted have even commented on several published inspection reports praising the provider for have a LifeVac device accessible.

What LifeVac Is

LifeVac is a non-invasive airway clearance device approved by the UK MHRA for use by anyone, with no specialized training required. Additionally, LifeVac offers fully CPD-accredited online training for both child/healthcare professionals and the general public, covering choking prevention, how to identify different types of choking, what can cause a choking emergency, case studies, device overview, how and when to use LifeVac® in a choking emergency and more.

Each wall-mounted kit includes a test mask, allowing practitioners to use the LifeVac device in training scenarios. This enables them to simulate choking emergencies and practice the essential "place, push, pull" technique to effectively use the device in real-life situations.

LifeVac is registered and regulated as a 'Class 1 Medical Device' with CE accreditation. LifeVac is regulated for use when first aid has failed or cannot be performed.

As LifeVac is not a mandatory part of first aid yet, The UKRC (UK Resuscitation Council) can not endorse their use as they follow ILCOR guidance.

In the last review (2019/20), ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation) who write the first aid guidelines for all the global resuscitation councils to follow states, “While we recognise they have saved lives, there is not enough evidence to encourage or discourage their use”. Since then, LifeVac has saved a further 3510 lives and obtained 13 additional peer reviewed medical publications covering lives saved, comparison studies, ease of use, safety and effectiveness.

Until LifeVac becomes a mandatory part of first aid, it remains a legal and safe option for any business, childcare setting or individual person to use when first aid fails or cannot performed.

• LifeVac is a medical device, not a first aid tool. It’s intended for use when first aid protocols cannot resolve the choking.

• It is regulated. LifeVac is classified as a Class I medical device and is registered with regulatory bodies including the MHRA in the UK.

  
  

Safety, Mechanism & Evidence

• LifeVac features a patented one-way valve. This ensures no air can be forced back into the airway when deployed, and the obstruction cannot be pushed further down.

• Because it's non-invasive, there’s no risk of tubing pushing blockages further or causing additional damage.

• There is substantial peer-reviewed evidence on safety, usability, effectiveness, and lives saved.

• According to the MHRA, these anti-choking devices are intended to be used after standard techniques (back slaps, abdominal thrusts) have been attempted.

Training & Implementation

• Every LifeVac kit includes a QR code linking to free training videos showing how to use the device in different positions.

• There is also a CPD-certified e-learning course, online group sessions, and face-to-face training available (the latter is chargeable).

• Many users have successfully operated the device without prior training, relying on the clear instructions and video guidance.

• Training providers are welcome to adopt LifeVac instruction in their courses. The training should cover both scenarios: when LifeVac is available and when it needs to wait until after BLS protocols.

NHS clinical trial and approval

During 2023, LifeVac went under clinical assessment and trail within the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust. This large mental health and disability Trust successfully completed clinical validation trials and began full deployment of LifeVac devices in December 2024 and has already saved multiple lives. Further trials are now ongoing across other trusts within the UK.

My first aid training provider says they do not recommend having one?

Sadly this is down to misinformation once again. Many first aid training providers are fully onboard with LifeVac as a secondary means for when BLS fails in a choking emergency. Most training course providers only teach within the bounds of what is required under the EYFS and the UKRC guidelines, and LifeVac falls outside of this syllabus.

LifeVac is a regulated medical device, which can be purchased by anyone, and use one anyone, by anyone, when first had has been attempted, or cannot be performed.

Conclusion

Any provider can use LifeVac, as this falls outside of the EYFS/UKRC guidance, AFTER first aid has been attempted and failed, or cannot be performed. LifeVac covers you, the user with their own public liability insurance when using the device. LifeVac does not take away the requirement for backslaps, chest thrusts and it a secondary tool to providers to help in a choking emergency when BLS fails.

With over 5100 lives saved by LifeVac, with 3050 of those being paediatric, it remains a formidable tool in saving lives and the eyes of us, Oliver’s parents our mission remains the same to put a device in every single nursery, preschool and childminder across the UK.

Please also see our FAQ here: https://www.tosf.org.uk/lifevacfaq