Warning: dangerous counterfeit anti-swallowing devices
The MHRA is warning the public not to buy counterfeit or unbranded anti-choking devices, as they do not comply with device regulations and could cause harm.
Over the last two years, I have recommended that caregivers and family members of people with MS and other neurological conditions that affect swallowing and cause choking consider purchasing a Life Vac anti-swallowing device and learning how to use it. This is a relatively simple-to-use suction device that can dislodge food or other boluses and could be potentially life-saving. I say this because I am aware of a handful of my patients with advanced MS who have died of choking.
To my horror, the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) is warning the public not to buy counterfeit or unbranded anti-choking devices, as they do not comply with device regulations and could cause harm.
The following is an excerpt from the MHRA website:
“It is estimated that over 10,000 counterfeit or unbranded anti-choking devices, also known as airway clearance devices, choking rescue devices or emergency first aid devices, have been purchased by the public within the last two years based on listings found across online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, and drop-shipping websites.
There are currently two anti-choking device brands, LifeVac and Dechoker, which have a valid UKCA or CE mark and are registered with the MHRA to be used after Basic Life Support protocols have been attempted and failed. Use of a counterfeit or unbranded anti-choking device carries a significant risk of failure to resolve the blockage and may worsen the situation by pushing obstructions further down the airway passage.
A product comparison with photos highlighting the differences between a genuine and a counterfeit device can be found in our Device Safety Information alert.
MHRA guidance on buying medical devices advises the public to exercise caution when purchasing these products online and to ensure that they are purchased from reputable sellers. People should be particularly vigilant for sites using fake reviews to promote their product and should also check to see that the device manufacturer is registered with the MHRA via the public access database.”
“The majority of counterfeit or unbranded anti-choking devices are manufactured or shipped from China, appear in a similar or identical design to the LifeVac anti-choking device and, in some cases, claim to be the genuine brand.
None of the anti-choking devices registered with the MHRA are manufactured in China. Any products shipped from China should be treated with caution and disposed.
If anyone is uncertain about whether their device is genuine or a counterfeit, contact the legal manufacturer, LifeVac, and report the incident regarding the product to the Yellow Card scheme.”
I sincerely hope this has not affected any of my patients. This is another example of why the NHS should supply these lifesaving devices, teach people how to use them, and not rely on patients and/or their families having to purchase the devices themselves. Do you agree?
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General Disclaimer
Please note that the opinions expressed here are those of Professor Giovannoni and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Queen Mary University of London or Barts Health NHS Trust. The advice is intended as general and should not be interpreted as personal clinical advice. If you have problems, please tell your healthcare professional, who will be able to help you.
so Prof G, do you like the https://life-saver.org.uk/ website / app - teaching CPR and then choking - video 'games' that feel like the real thing - you can keep trying if you dont get it right first time. its really good for cpr - and (almost) all of should know / do CPR!
I totally agree with you Prof G. As someone with a son who is choking more regularly I had started looking at these devices. Choking is a real and present danger, we should be getting advice/ supplies from the NHS. Perhaps MS nurses could be utilised for advice and training somehow.