Washington County Sheriff Brent Miller has purchased Dechokers for all Deputy vehicles. 

Sheriff Miller said, " The device was brought to my attention by one of the deputies in the department who feels strongly about helping the community.  After researching the product, I was in agreement and made the purchase so every road deputy has the tools he or she needs to save lives in Washington County."

According to the Dechoker website:

 The Dechoker is an FDA registered, life saving device which can be used for choking first aid on anyone, regardless of age, illness, disorder, or other health-related condition.

The Dechoker is an Airway Clearance Device (ACD).  The device is placed over the choking victims face with a tube placed in the person's mouth.  The pulling of the plunger outward creates a negative pressure which assists in the removal of food or a foreign object that obstructs the airway.  This device does not replace the Heimlich Maneuver but can be used if the Heimlich is unsuccessful.

If you have a choking emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately.  After sending an ambulance, the 9-1-1 Dispatcher will talk you through the steps needed to try to remove the obstruction from the airway.  If the efforts do not dislodge the obstruction, a responding deputy is now equipped with the device to assist.   Deputies are often the first on scene because they are out in the community and can arrive before the ambulance can.  Having this device can save seconds, and seconds save lives.

Each vehicle is equipped with 3 different devices one for adults, one for children, and one for infants over 12 months old.

Within weeks of receiving the device a deputy of Washington County used the Dechoker and likely saved a man's life.