The company behind Dechocker has today confirmed their anti-choking device prevented 11 choking deaths in the adult care sector in 2018.

Three of these incidents occurred in the weeks leading up Christmas and the team are confident they can half the 100 recorded choking deaths that occur in care homes every year.

Matt Oakley, CEO, announced in the Autumn the company’s goal to save 100 lives by 2022 and speaking about the figures, he is confident this is achievable.

He said: “In terms of the impact Dechoker has had on the people it has helped and the growth of the company, it has been a fantastic first 12 months for the Dechoker.

“And with the number of Dechoker devices are rolling out with clients over the next couple of months I anticipate we will move from saving one life every month, to one every week.”

The company also revealed the most common food to cause a person to chose was potato, followed by meat.

Mr Oakley said: “For many years the sector has struggled to respond to a choking emergency, largely due to the complex needs of the people in their care.

“This has been realised in the way that care providers have been quick to see the benefit of Dechoker, the results of which speak for themselves.”

For further information on the Dechoker, click here.