QUESTIONS REGARDING DECHOKER:
- Why do the resuscitation guidelines not mention Dechoking devices?
The Dechoker device is a new negative pressure device that has been on the market for over 4 years. It can take up to 15 years for a guideline council to accept new methods. Updates are done every four years. Dechoker has been in-touch with these associations on a regular basis and have been working aggressively to get it added to the guidelines. Dechoker also is inspected by the FDA, and is working hard to always have a safe and very effective choking device. The Dechoker/dechoking devices or anti-choking devices are fairly new.
- The resuscitation guidelines say to deliver back slaps and abdominal thrusts then when not conscious start CPR. When in this cycle is the Dechoker used?
The resuscitation guidelines support a legacy standard of care. Dechoker is to be used when current protocol standards have failed. Due to the request for Dechoker devices in care homes and first aid kits worldwide, the Dechoker is bound to become a standard of care.
- I am a training provider, can I add instruction on the Dechoker to my courses?
Yes. It is recommended to add Dechoker to the training due to the ease of use and due to the potential consistency of use. The training should consider availability and non-availability of Dechoker devices. If the Dechoker device is unavailable and not within reach, while it’s being retrieved from the first aid kit, it is required that the back slaps and abdominal thrusts are delivered promptly. Once available, Dechoker can be used almost instantaneously once the current manual protocols (back slaps and abdominal thrusts) have failed. Training on the Dechoker devices is easy and a video training program is available to demonstrate best practices during use.
- Can the Dechoker be wall mounted?
Dechoker has an available wall mount for commercial use.
- The tube on the adult Dechoker looks fine but on the infant one it looks too big, is this the case?
Dechoker device is not recommended for neonatal (or infant) use. Devices are available in three sizes (adult, child, and toddler).
- Am I under any legal risk using the Dechoker as it goes away from the information on my last first aid class?
Dechoker is an FDA and CE registered product for sale and use in the appropriate countries where registrations are obtained.
- Can I reuse the Dechoker if I clean it?
Dechoker is made as a single use device due to regulatory requirements around sanitation.
- Do you need special training to use the Dechoker or can someone just read the instructions and use it?
The package insert or the “instructions and use” are detailed and specific and are generally sufficient to utilize the Dechoker device. For additional proficiency, a certified training course is recommended. Review our Dechoker training video here.
- Is the Dechoker sterile?
No. Dechoker is shipped not sterile. While the device is manufactured in a clean environment it is not sterilized.
- Is there an expiry date on the Dechoker?
Yes. The Dechoker has a 24-month shelf life.
- Is the Dechoker CE marked?
Yes. The Dechoker is CE marked.
- Does it hurt the patient when a Dechoker is used?
The Dechoker is designed such that it does not hurt the patient. In addition, with appropriate training, use of Dechoker is proficient.
- When you push the plunger in, does it force air into the patient?
No. The architecture of the device is such that no air is forced into the patient. The patented and proficient design ensures that air moves forward due to the cross lit valve in the unit and disallows any air from entering mouth. This tube functions like an exhaust. Air only enters the cylinder through the tube that goes into the mouth and can only go out through the cross slit valve.
- Can the Dechoker be used on yourself if you choke?
At this time, we do not have conclusive evidence on the ability to use on yourself, so we don't include direction or training for that in our Instructions For Use. Due to the simplicity of the device though, the self-powered principles of the design could allow it.
- Can you use the Dechoker on a conscious patient?
Dechoker recommends you first follow Red Cross and AHA choking protocol, and if unsuccessful to use the Dechoker.
- If the Dechoker is so effective, why are they not carried on ambulances?
Effort is underway to make Dechoker the standard of care. Due to the interest in the Dechoker device, it is widely anticipated that the Dechoker will be used in ambulances and other care channels.
- Is the Dechoker suitable for patients with Dementia?
Yes. The Dechoker is suitable for any patient that has a swallowing issue or disorder. For patients with dementia, it is recommended that the Dechoker device is administered to them (not self-administered) since it is required for users to review and understand the instructions for use.
- What is the possibility of barotrauma?
Barotrauma is usually associated with positive pressure, usually of the lower respiratory tract rather than the upper airway, resulting from high inflation pressures and damaging the lung parenchyma. Suction devices which generate a 'negative' (sub-atmospheric) pressure will not damage distal tissues beyond the larynx. Soft tissues in the oral cavity including the tongue may succumb to a poorly positioned device when suction is applied. A choking casualty has an unrelieved obstruction in the upper airway. They may vomit without stimulation, and this might even dislodge the foreign body in the laryngopharynx? Aspiration of stomach contents is most unlikely because the esophagus will collapse, unlike the adjacent trachea.
- If sufficient negative pressure was developed by the device for it to be effective then there is a risk that it may cause mucosal injury/bleeding and or negative pressure pulmonary edema.
The suction tube of the Dechoker is in the middle of the face mask. It may injure the tongue. It occasionally touches the hard palate with the outside edge of the tube. Insertion of the tube can rub against the tongue or hard palate and cause an abrasion. This is inconsequential to the choking and dying patient. Any abrasion will heal promptly without treatment. One or two pulls of the device will not cause negative pressure pulmonary edema. It is not used long enough to cause pulmonary edema. Face mask ventilation used for prolonged periods does not cause pulmonary edema.
-
What are the major differences that make Dechoker stand above its competitors?
Other anti-choking products push on the patient”s face during use, while the Dechoker pulls back and away from the patient’s face. The Dechoker also utilizes an actual canister where the recovered object goes after it is dislodged, and in addition, has a built-in tongue depressor, unlike other products on the market.