The FDA doesn't want you to buy anti-choking devices. Here's why

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Using anti-choking devices could waste valuable time, FDA says

FILE - A sign for the Food and Drug Administration is displayed outside their offices in Silver Spring, Md., on Dec. 10, 2020. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File) (Manuel Balce Ceneta, Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The FDA doesn't want people buying and using anti-choking devices. They recommend people use established choking rescue protocols instead.

The safety and effectiveness of anti-choking devices that are being sold over-the-counter have not been established. The devices are not approved or cleared by the FDA.

The FDA is concerned that using an anti-choking device first could leave the person choking for longer because it takes time to take the device out of the package, assemble it, and follow the instructions.

The FDA said there have been reports of the following problems with anti-choking devices:

The device did not stop the person from choking due to lack of suction.
Bruising around the face, lips, and mouth.
Scratches in the back of the throat.

People are encouraged to instead follow choking rescue protocols approved by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association before considering using something else. The Red Cross and AHA protocols have a high success rate and can be completed right away.

What should you do if someone is choking?

The FDA says to follow choking rescue protocols approved by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.

Choking rescue protocols should only be used if the person's airway is completely blocked or if they are unable to cough. That is because back blows could change a partial airway block, which a person can usually clear up on their own, to a complete airway block.

If you do decide to use an anti-choking device, you should only use it if you've tried the approved protocols and they're not working.

What is the FDA doing?

The FDA is working with anti-choking manufacturers to make sure the products are in compliance with the FDA's medical device requirements.

How to report problem with anti-choking device

Anyone who has used an anti-choking device and had an issue is asked to report it through the MedWatch Voluntary Reporting Form.

About the Author

Kayla Clarke

Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer.

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