A Bristol mother saved her 11-year-old daughter's life after she choked on a roast potato during a Mother's Day lunch, using a device called LifeVac. Charlotte Clark, 49, from the Hengrove area, sprang into action when her daughter Harper, who has autism, began choking on Sunday, March 15.
Charlotte had purchased the LifeVac kit two years ago as a precaution but never expected to use it. The device, which uses a mask placed over the face to suck obstructions from airways, successfully removed the potato before Harper lost consciousness. 'I dread to think what could have happened if I didn't have it,' Charlotte said.
LifeVac was invented by Arthur Lih in New York in 2014 after he heard about a child who died from choking on a grape. The non-invasive device is designed for use when standard first aid, such as the Heimlich manoeuvre, fails. It is manufactured in South Molton, North Devon.
Charlotte now wants to see LifeVac kits made available in restaurants and cafes to prevent similar incidents. 'I have spoken to some here in Bristol and they haven't heard of the kit, so I think there needs to be much more awareness,' she said.
Matthew Banagan, director of LifeVac Europe, noted that choking is the second leading cause of accidental death in adults over 65 and a high risk for children. He said the company has launched a Southwest Life-Saving Initiative, donating kits to businesses and schools in the region.
