At Splat Training we’re often asked about LifeVac devices during our first aid courses. They’ve been in the news, on social media, and many learners have seen them in restaurants, childcare settings, or even motorway service stations. It’s no surprise – LifeVac report that their device has already helped save thousands of lives worldwide, including many children.
So, should you be trained in using one? Here’s our take.
LifeVac in Brief
LifeVac is a suction device designed to clear the airway if someone is choking and standard techniques aren’t working. The idea is simple: place the mask over the person’s face, press down, and pull up to create suction, with the aim of removing the obstruction.
It’s being used in schools, nurseries, care homes and public spaces – and there are plenty of reported success stories.
What We Teach at Splat
For now, our training will continue to focus on the tried and tested choking sequence:
If an adult or child is choking and cannot cough, breathe or speak:
1. Ask them to cough.
2. Give up to 5 back blows between the shoulder blades, checking after each one to see if it has worked.
3. If that doesn’t work, give up to 5 abdominal thrusts (standing behind the person, fist just above their belly button, pull sharply inwards and upwards).
4. If this hasn’t worked call 99 and alternate 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object comes out or the person becomes unresponsive.
5. If they become unresponsive, start CPR.
For infants under 1 year, the technique is slightly different – back blows and chest thrusts are used instead of abdominal thrusts. Use two fingers on the chest and thrust upwards, like shown in the image.
This is the sequence that is evidence-based, officially recognised, and taught worldwide.
Thinking about LifeVac in Your Nursery?
We know lots of nurseries are curious about LifeVac devices – and with good reason. They’re being used in schools, care settings, and public places, and there are reports of them saving lives. But if you’re considering getting one for your nursery, here are a few friendly pointers:
1. Yes, you can buy one in the UK – provided it’s a genuine, regulated device (look for the UKCA or CE mark). Make sure you buy from a reputable supplier and check it’s the official LifeVac product, not an unregulated copy.
2. It doesn’t replace training – even if you have a LifeVac, your staff still need to be confident in standard choking first aid: back blows, abdominal or chest thrusts, and calling for help. The device is intended only as a last resort if these techniques haven’t worked.
3. Check your policies – make sure any device is included in your nursery’s first aid and safeguarding plans. Decide who can use it, when it should be used, and how it should be stored.
4. Official guidance matters – currently, the Resuscitation Council UK does not support the use of suction devices like LifeVac as part of standard choking first aid. That means while it’s legally available, it’s not officially part of recommended practice.
Our advice: if you do decide to get a LifeVac, treat it as a backup tool, not a replacement. Keep your team trained, confident, and ready to use the proven methods that save lives every day.
Remember: your knowledge, quick thinking, and confidence are the most important tools you have – devices are just that, tools.
Final Thoughts...
We know LifeVac is out there, and we know it’s saving lives. But until the guidance changes, we won’t be training learners to use it. Our focus remains on giving you the confidence and skills to use proven choking first aid techniques.
We’ll keep an eye on the research and updates from the resuscitation councils, and if things change, you’ll hear it from us.
In the meantime, remember: Back blows and abdominal thrusts save lives. Quick action is what matters most. You don’t need specialist equipment to be a life saver.