Since 2022, Equal First Aid, Inc. has achieved significant milestones, including the State of Texas passing a law requiring airway clearance devices such as LifeVac to be in all schools. This one law can potentially save the lives of many individuals in a choking situation. These devices not only help save the lives of individuals who are compromised or predisposed to choking, but also any person who finds themselves in a choking situation. The goal is to have all schools, residential facilities, restaurants, and anywhere that choking can occur abide by the ADA law and have airway clearance devices such as LifeVac available everywhere. On March 4, 2026, the FDA authorized LifeVac to market and sell in the United States. LifeVac is the only FDA-authorized airway clearance device.
In addition, JT’s Law Foundation Corp. (“JT’s Law”) is a not-for-profit charity that exists to educate about the dangers of food choking. JT’s Law is also a New York State law that requires choking prevention and educational resources to be made available to all caregivers. Both the charity and the law exist to honor the memory of a 3-year-old boy named JT who tragically died from choking on a hot dog. Joannie Hugues is the Founder and President of JT’s Law. JT’s Law strives to warn caregivers about the dangers of certain high-risk choking foods such as hot dogs, popcorn, grapes, nuts, and hard candy, and to provide alternative ways to prepare such foods to reduce the risk of choking, as well as other choking prevention tips. JT’s Law empowers caregivers with tools and resources to combat a choking event through workshops and videos that provide training in choking rescue procedures and advocacy of LifeVac, a device that has successfully saved the lives of thousands of choking victims.
Below is a tragic and true story stressing the importance of why devices such as LifeVac should be mandatory in places such as schools, residential programs, food service establishments, daycares, camps, and even in your own home. It can literally save your life or the life of a loved one.
Paddy was 23 years old. He had Down syndrome and was nonverbal. Having Down syndrome placed him in the highest risk category for choking due to low muscle tone, large tonsils, and airway narrowing. Paddy was also a “food grabber and stuffer.” In November 2025, Paddy choked on Belgian waffles in his residential program. His food was always cut into half-inch pieces, but the waffles may have been too thick and/or too hard, or he grabbed too many pieces because an aide was not sitting next to him. LifeVacs were approved by his residential program and were in the building, but the training was to begin that afternoon, so the staff didn’t know how to use them. Staff repeatedly tried Choking Rescue Procedures (i.e., abdominal thrusts/back blows) but were unable to dislodge the obstruction blocking his airway, and he went into cardiac arrest. The period of time he was without oxygen caused severe anoxic brain injury, and Paddy was placed on life support for five days. It was determined that Paddy would not survive, and he was removed from life support.
Paddy was deeply loved by his family, friends, his residential program staff, and those at his Recreational Day Hab Program. All who knew Paddy were devastated by his loss. Had staff been trained on using LifeVac, Paddy’s life might have been saved. It is our mission to have LifeVac available, with trained staff, in as many places as possible.
If you are interested in purchasing a LifeVac device for your home, school, or business, please click the link below and enter the code EFA10 to receive $10 off and free shipping: Lifevac.net
For more information, visit equalfirstaid.org
Heimlich Heroes is impactful, interactive and making a splash across the country.
Choking emergencies can happen to anyone, but for individuals with disabilities and those who use wheelchairs, the situation can become even more dire. Traditional choking rescue protocols may not always be successful, and the victim may not be able to perform the Heimlich maneuver on themselves. This is where the LifeVac comes in as a crucial lifesaving device. The LifeVac is a non-powered, non-invasive airway clearance device that is designed to remove an airway obstruction in a choking emergency when all other rescue protocols have failed. Its unique one-way valve system prevents the airway obstruction from being pushed further into the victim and vents injury or harm. The LifeVac works by creating negative pressure through downward compression, venting all air outside the unit, and then pulling back to generate negative pressure and dislodge the obstruction. For individuals with disabilities and those who use wheelchairs, the LifeVac offers a critical solution in choking emergencies. The device is easy to use and does not require any training, making it a lifesaver for individuals who may have difficulty performing the Heimlich maneuver or other choking rescue protocols. The LifeVac is also compact and portable, making it accessible and easy to carry for those Read more