To help prevent choking incidents and save lives, the Cornwallis Charity of East Kent Freemasons, has decided to supply 100 Life Vac machines to the Oliver Steeper Foundation, which will supply various organisations that look after young children across the county.

The Life Vac machine is a non-invasive airway clearance device that can quickly and effectively remove obstructions from the airway, providing immediate relief to choking victims.

Choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury death. Of the 3,000 people who died from choking in 2020, 1,430 were older than 74. Food is often responsible for choking incidents in the elderly.

In 2021, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) recorded 276 deaths of children due to choking.

By distributing these Life Vac machines, the Oliver Steeper Foundation hopes to raise awareness about the importance of choking prevention and provide a lifesaving tool to those at risk. The charity believes it can help reduce the number of choking-related deaths in children.

Philip South, Deputy head of East Kent Freemasons, said. “It is important to have such initiatives and extend our support towards promoting safety and well-being, especially for vulnerable groups like children, highlights the ripple effect that a tragedy can have on a family and the community as a whole”.

The Oliver Steeper Foundation was started after the death of Oliver, the son of Mr & Mrs Steeper; Oliver sadly died in a nursery in Kent in September 2021 after choking on pasta.

Mr & Mrs Steeper said, “We knew we had to create a legacy for Oliver to prevent other parents from living through the nightmare we have endured.
The Oliver Steeper Foundation was created in mid-2023 with the aim of providing a life-saving medical device in all registered early-years childcare settings. We are very grateful for the support of the Cornwallis Charity of East Kent Freemasons.

The Cornwallis charity, along with the Oliver Steeper Foundation, encourages everyone to educate themselves on the proper choking prevention and response procedures and consider having a Life Vac machine on hand in case of emergencies. Together, we can work towards a safer future for all.

More information about the Anti Choking Device and the Oliver Steeper Foundation can be found on their webiste. The Oliver Steeper Foundation | Charity Registration Number 1207047 (tosf.org.uk)