A father from Perth is channeling his grief into action by advocating for the installation of anti-choking devices, known as LifeVac devices, in local councils following the tragic death of his son, Zaza, last year. The one-year-old choked on a grape while playing, and despite his father Brian’s desperate attempts to save him, he passed away in Brian’s arms. This heart-wrenching incident has motivated Brian to ensure that such a preventable tragedy does not happen to other families.
In a significant step, the City of Joondalup will introduce LifeVac kits at 36 community centres, starting with the Joondalup Library. These devices work as a last resort, applying suction to dislodge food from a choking victim’s airway. Brian has expressed his belief that if they had the right tools at the time, his son might still be alive.
LifeVac was developed by Arthur Lih, inspired by a similar tragedy that highlighted the limitations of conventional first aid methods like the Heimlich manoeuvre. The emergency suction tool is a straightforward yet effective tool that can potentially save lives, especially in public places where children gather.
Registered nurse Rebecca Pizzi spoke about the device’s simplicity and affordability, acknowledging its potential to prevent choking fatalities. In Australia alone, 140 children under the age of four experienced choking or suffocation from food in 2022–2023, underscoring the urgent need for such safety measures.
Brian’s campaign aims to expand the availability of LifeVac devices to schools, daycare centres, and first responders, illustrating his determination to reduce choking incidents and protect children’s lives. His heartfelt wish is for no other parent to endure the pain he has encountered, as he tirelessly works to raise awareness and implement these life-saving devices throughout the community.