Simon Gould: Over 700 Aussies die from choking every year. 3 mistakes make it worse

Choking is one of the most preventable causes of death in Australia, yet it kills close to 700 Australians every year, almost two people every single day. Despite being common, many people panic during a choking incident and resort to unsafe or ineffective actions that can make the situation worse.
 

Simon Gould, former paramedic and Director of LifeVac Australia, said choking deaths are devastating because most are avoidable.
 

"I've seen firsthand how quickly a choking incident can turn fatal. People often mean well, but doing the wrong thing in those critical moments can cost someone their life. Knowing what NOT to do is just as important as knowing what to do," he said.
 

The top three things you should never do if someone is choking.
 

Don't try to give them water
 

"One of the most dangerous myths is that drinking water will wash the blockage down. In reality, this can make the obstruction worse, drive it deeper and block the airway completely, water is only good for objects in the oesophagus not the airway," Gould said.
 

"Avoid giving the person choking any type of fluid at all until the airway blockage is removed."
 

Don't put your fingers in their throat
 

"Unless you can clearly see and safely remove the object, never attempt a blind finger sweep. This can push the object further down, damage soft tissue in the throat and create an even bigger emergency," Gould said.
 

"Further, it creates additional stress on the person choking."
 

Don't delay action
 

"Every second matters when someone is choking. Don't waste time hoping it will resolve on its own. If regular first aid measures like back blows aren't effective, you need a backup plan immediately. The LifeVac exists for this reason, to provide a safe, non-invasive option when first aid fails, and so far this has happened no less than 4500 times where LifeVac was able to succeed,"
Gould said.

Gould emphasised that choking does not discriminate. It affects children, adults and particularly older Australians in aged care, where weakened muscles, swallowing difficulties and medical conditions increase the risk.
 

"The tragedy is that these deaths are preventable, particularly in higher risk groups like children and aged care where in Australia choking is the second leading cause of preventable unexpected death," he said.
 

"By educating Australians on what not to do and giving them safe, effective tools when first aid fails, we can save countless lives. In severe choking there is only four minutes until permanent brain injury is likely and no Ambulance can get there in that timeframe.
 

"A simple device like LifeVac is ideal. For less than the cost of a tank of fuel, a LifeVac device can easily suck out an airway blockage with ease and minimal discomfort to the person choking. It has proven to be both safe and effective. It is light, easy to hold in the hand and simple to use and yet it can save lives. Every household should have one. If you are traveling or out and about, pop a travel version in your bag."
 

While many people turn to the Heimlich manoeuvre, when they see someone choking, Gould urged caution.
 

"The Heimlich manoeuvre, also called abdominal thrusts, is still considered an accepted first-aid response in many parts of the world except Australia, when someone is choking and unable to breathe. It can and does save lives," Gould said.
 

"However, it is not without risks, like any first aid measure for choking, except the LifeVac, abdominal thrusts should not be used on persons under 12 months and training is essential to reduce potential injuries.
 

"That's why first-aid trainers stress a sequence: back blows first, then some sort of chest thrusts if required. If those fail, there must be a backup option, as the Australian version of chest thrusts lacks any evidence of effectiveness."
 

Gould said he has seen cases where people performed first aid perfectly and it still wasn't enough.
 

"That's where the LifeVac comes in, it's non-invasive, safe and gives you another chance when traditional first aid hasn't worked," he said.
 

"Really, every household, business, school, workplace, health, medical and care facility should have LifeVacs on site. I also recommend putting one in your bag so you can take it with you everywhere. They save lives."
 

About LifeVac
 

LifeVac is the world's only non-invasive, portable airway clearance device proven to save lives when standard choking first aid fails. Using a patented one-way suction system, LifeVac can clear a blocked airway in seconds without risk of harm. Easy to use by anyone, the device requires no advanced training and has never failed in a documented emergency. With more than 4,500 lives saved worldwide and a 100 percent safety record, LifeVac is trusted in homes, schools, aged care facilities, disability services, workplaces and by first responders. Clinically reviewed by the TGA for evidence, safety and risk and listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), LifeVac is simple, safe and effective. To find out more information, go to: lifevac.net