Local police call this anti-choking device ‘game changer’
UNIVERSITY CIRCLE, Ohio (WJW) — Whether you call it the “Dechoker” or the mini-Heimlich, it functions to save precious time when someone’s in dire need of oxygen.
University Circle Police Officer Joe Fazzio demonstrated how the device works with Fox 8 on Monday, describing it as a game-changer.
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“This is the best way to get someone back up and out there. You can’t put a price on a life. This is the best way to do it,” he said.
Fazzio’s belief in the “Dechoker” comes from personal experience. Recently, he had to use the device on a choking member of his family.
Shortly after, he went to boss Chief Tom Wentzel and told him about it. As soon as Wetzel saw the device in action, he knew his officers needed them.
Now, each of their cruisers comes equipped with a “Dechoker”.
“It’s not unreasonable that our officers respond to someone that is choking and usually we are the first ones before anyone. We are usually out and about, and we could be saving a person that is choking at a restaurant before the rescue squad not even out of their bay,” said Wetzel.
Wetzel described the “Dechoker” as yet another important tool in their toolbox.
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Like everything else in that toolbox, they hope it doesn’t have to get much use. But if it does, it’ll be a lifesaver.
“If we do, we will be ready. Our officers will be ready. They have been trained for them. We feel good about it,” he said.
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