News Summary
The Tampa Police Department has enhanced its emergency response capabilities by acquiring 300 LifeVac units to aid in choking emergencies for children. The LifeVac, an innovative airway suction device, will be distributed among officers, especially school resource officers. This initiative follows a recent incident where a police officer saved a child from choking, highlighting the need for effective tools in such emergencies. The LifeVac aims to prevent choking incidents and improve the overall preparedness of law enforcement in safeguarding children’s lives.
TAMPA – The Tampa Police Department recently expanded its emergency response capabilities by acquiring 300 LifeVac units, designed specifically to assist in choking emergencies involving children. This substantial donation aims to bolster the department’s ability to quickly address such critical situations, potentially saving lives and reducing severe consequences of choking incidents.
The LifeVac is an innovative airway suction device that provides a means of clearing an obstructed airway. Each unit is now set to be distributed among various officers, including those working as school resource officers and patrol units. Certain units will also be strategically placed in designated locations, ensuring quick access in high-traffic areas, particularly those frequented by children.
This initiative was underscored by a recent, heart-stopping incident involving a Tampa police officer who successfully rescued a child choking on a piece of tomato using back blows. The dramatic rescue, captured on video, quickly went viral and highlighted the urgent need for effective tools in choking emergencies. This incident inspired the donation of LifeVac units to the department, encouraging more comprehensive preparedness among officers.
Arthur Lih, the creator of LifeVac, developed the device following a personal tragedy when he experienced the loss of a 7-year-old due to choking—a tragedy that hit particularly close to home as his daughter was the same age. Lih’s motivation to create a safer solution aligns with the objective to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future, particularly in high-risk groups such as children.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw emphasized the significance of having the LifeVac as a preventive tool for choking emergencies. The department aims to enhance its life-saving capabilities and provide officers with essential tools specifically targeting the safety of young individuals. As a complement to this new device, continuous training in standard first aid and anti-choking techniques will ensure officers are well-prepared to respond effectively should a choking emergency arise.
The urgency surrounding choking incidents among children was further illustrated by a separate incident involving television personality Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino. When his toddler began choking during dinner, his wife and a choking rescue device played critical roles in saving their child’s life. This incident serves to remind parents of the importance of being prepared and aware of choking risks.
Healthcare professionals from AdventHealth have raised the alarm regarding the prevalence of choking among children aged newborn to three years, stating that it is a common and serious emergency. They emphasize the importance of remaining calm and acting quickly in such situations, recommending CPR training alongside the use of devices like the LifeVac as essential steps to mitigate risk and enhance readiness.
With the integration of LifeVac units into everyday emergency response training, the Tampa Police Department aims to prepare officers adequately for unforeseen emergencies. By enhancing resources available to officers and emphasizing the importance of quick action, the department hopes to not only maintain an optimal level of safety for children but also raise awareness about choking hazards in general.
In summary, the donation of LifeVac units signifies a crucial step forward in improving emergency response strategies for choking incidents, underscoring a commitment to child safety and the proactive measures being taken to address and prevent such emergencies.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: LifeVac Introduction
- Wikipedia: Choking
- WTSP: Anti-Choking Device Saves Lives
- Google Search: Choking Emergency Preparedness
- Fox 13 News: Mike Sorrentino’s Choking Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: First Aid
- Fox 13 News: Officer Saves Child from Choking
- Google News: Choking Emergencies
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
