FDA Urges Use of Established Rescue Protocols Over Anti-Choking Devices

CLEVELAND, OH — Federal health officials are urging families to prioritize traditional lifesaving techniques over popular suction-based anti-choking devices during a respiratory emergency. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, standard rescue protocols approved by the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association remain the most effective way to clear a blocked airway. These established methods, which include abdominal thrusts or back blows, do not require assembly or specialized equipment, allowing caregivers to act within seconds when every moment counts. The agency’s updated guidance, released March 4, 2026, highlights concerns that reaching for a suction device as a first response can delay these proven interventions. While these products are often marketed as a quick fix for a choking child or adult, the time it takes to remove a device from its packaging or assemble it could be the difference between a recovery and a tragedy. The FDA warns that using these tools before attempting standard protocols could delay critical lifesaving action. As of early March, the FDA has authorized only one specific anti-choking device for marketing and distribution in the United States. Many other products found on store shelves or online have not undergone the same rigorous evaluation process. Federal records show the FDA issued an import alert in late 2025 to stop several unauthorized suction devices from entering the country. It is not just a matter of timing or paperwork. Reports reviewed by the FDA describe various problems with these suction tools, ranging from a failure to clear an obstruction to physical injuries. Users have reported bruising around the face and mouth, as well as scratches in the back of the throat. According to the FDA, these devices should be considered only as a secondary option if standard, manual protocols have already failed. Parents and health care providers should also be wary of how these products are listed. Some manufacturers register their facilities with the government, but the FDA record notes that registration does not mean a specific device is approved or cleared for use. For instance, according to the FDA record, a 2021 warning letter issued to DeChoker LLC noted that its device was not in compliance with good manufacturing practice requirements. More recently, the agency issued a close-out letter to LifeVac LLC regarding previous regulatory concerns. If you already own an anti-choking device or plan to buy one, officials say you should familiarize yourself with the instructions before an emergency happens. These tools are meant for use only when there is a complete airway block or when a person is unable to cough. Attempting any intervention on a person who has a partial block and is still coughing could make the situation worse by forcing the object deeper. Consumers can verify the status of any medical device by searching the FDA Medical Device Databases for De Novo or Premarket Notifications. You can report any injuries or equipment failures related to these devices through the FDA’s MedWatch voluntary reporting program. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.