Choking response devices delivered to Clarke County

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT — Fifty-one LifeVac choking devices have been purchased via a grant from the E.F. & Silvia Schildberg Foundation and a donation by LifeVac LLC. Emergency Management will begin distributing the devices throughout the county.

The LifeVac is a non-powered, non-invasive, single-use only airway clearance device developed for resuscitating a victim with an airway obstruction when current choking protocols have been followed without success.

“LifeVac has now verified testimonials on 141 lives saved, 60 of which are children” says Donna Yeisley, LifeVac V.P. Administration “The airway clearance device has been used by parents, caregivers, police, nurses, paramedics, and a 10-year child.”

The devices will be distributed to fire departments, law enforcement vehicles, area schools, daycare facilities, long term care facilities, ambulances, and more.

“With 50 devices directly deployed to the communities we significantly increase our chances of a successful outcome of a choking victim,” says Byron Jimmerson, Clarke County Emergency Management Coordinator. “Death can occur as soon as four to six minutes during choking and these devices are now close to each community.”

E.F. & Silvia Schildberg Foundation has contributed to several life safety projects in Clarke County including but not limited to the drone, 700 mhz vehicle radio, OVFD rescue truck, power cot for FD, safety clothing, CERT truck, and more.

“The Foundation has really left its mark on Clarke County,” said Jimmerson. “They are great to partner with and we have two more projects nearing completion.”

To learn more about Alert Iowa in Clarke County, visit https://www.facebook.com/clarkeiaema/.

Additional information on the system is available at www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov.

For more information on this project please Contact Byron Jimmerson, Clarke County Emergency Management Coordinator at Clarke County EMA Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/clarkeiaema/.