By Bob Katzen

This bill would require all public and private schools to have a portable airway clearance device onsite. The bill defines portable airway clearance device as an FDA-approved medical device that uses manually created suction to remove blockage from the airway during a choking emergency. The popular brand name of the device is Life-Vac.

The bill requires each school nurse and cafeteria worker to be trained in the use of the devices and mandates that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in consultation with Department of Public Health establish guidelines and regulations for the implementation, training, support and supervision of this new requirement.

“The placement of a … device in each of our schools is but another measure to ensure safety and protect children and students while in school,” said sponsor Rep. Rodney Elliott (D-Lowell). “This is a minimal investment that would help to further ensure the health and safety of the commonwealth’s students. We know choking can cause irreversible brain damage or death after four to six minutes. So even the simplest technology such as a LifeVac device, that has been approved by the FDA, can help save lives.”