Naples police officers now have a new tool in every patrol car that could save someone’s life during a choking emergency.
NCH Health System, the Collier Community Foundation, and LifeVac donated 76 LifeVac choking rescue devices to the Naples Police Department today.
“If someone is choking or any medical emergency, generally, the first responders to get there are going to be police officers and sheriff's deputies,” said Naples Police Chief Ciro Dominguez.
LifeVac is a handheld device that can help remove an object from someone’s throat when the Heimlich maneuver doesn’t work. You place it over the person’s nose and mouth, push down, then pull back to create suction.
“So what it does for us is make us a better asset to save someone when they're having an event as a choking,” Dominguez said.
LifeVac says they’ve donated about 3,000 of the devices to places around Collier County, including schools, hotels, restaurants, and daycares.
NCH registered nurse Hope Goodwin demonstrated how it works using a training mannequin.
“So, in the event Charlie was choking and I perform the Heimlich maneuver, and it was unsuccessful, I would immediately grab the LifeVac. And it comes with two pieces. The larger size, for the adults, and then you have the smaller one for the pediatric. So the pointy part goes above the bridge of the nose, and the other portion covers the mouth,” Goodwin said. “And you're trying to create a very solid seal here. And what it is, is you pull, push, and pull until you can see the object come out.”
Goodwin says it’s a simple tool that could prevent a tragedy — especially in those critical moments before an ambulance arrives.