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 1,360 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.

What LifeVac Is

• 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.

• The previous restrictions on its use in the UK were voluntarily adopted but have now been lifted by the MHRA as of 2023, allowing it to be more broadly available.

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.

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 4700 lives saved by LifeVac, with 2900 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