As part of its ongoing commitment to resident safety, earlier this year New Care took the decision to install Dechoker devices across its existing and increasing portfolio of high-quality care homes. Last month, it was this decision that resulted in the first UK life to be saved using a Dechoker since the device was launched here late last year.
In April, a resident at New Care’s Ashland Manor Care Home in Sale, Manchester began to choke on a piece of food whilst eating breakfast. Care Staff responded immediately however within a very short space of time the 97-year old became unresponsive and started to turn blue.
Using a Dechoker, staff removed the obstruction within seconds and very shortly afterwards the resident came around and was able to t
alk to those with her. Paramedics, who had already been called as part of New Care safety protocol attended and took the female to hospital as a precaution. After spending just 4 hours in A&E she was released and allowed to return to her care home having made a full recovery.
“This is exactly what the Dechoker was designed for.” said Matt Oakley, Director for Dechoker UK.
“We were all thrilled when New Care called to tell us the news and how effective Dechoker had been in a choking emergency. With the number of our devices now in care and nursing homes throughout the UK, and how frequently choking emergencies occur in the sector it was only a matter of time before a Dechoker would be called in to action. It certainly won’t be the last.”
Dechoker – Airway Clearance Device
Chief operating officer at New Care, Cath Fairhurst, commented:
“At New Care we are committed to sourcing and installing the latest technology to improve and enhance the lives of our residents, and are delighted that the use of Dechoker across all of our homes has already saved a life.”
Launched late last year, Dechoker works by creating directed suction over the airway to remove an obstruction causing a person to choke. It can be deployed and used in seconds by a member of staff, used regardless if a person is either sitting up, lying down and even when they are unconscious. In 2016 over 540 people in the UK died from choking, up 8% from the year before. 76% of all choking deaths occur in the over 60s who saw a larger increase of 10% overall. For further information on Dechoker, please visit www.dechoker.co.uk
New Care is one of the UK’s fastest growing development-led care home operators. Catering for the aspiring needs of its residents, homes provide high quality, person-centred care and an exceptional clinical offering, including residential, general nursing and specialist dementia care services, in an expertly designed purpose-built environment.
In addition to communal lounges, formal dining rooms and gardens, residents enjoy the privacy of their own well appointed and restful bedroom, complete with en suite wet rooms, and a host of hotel-style services including fine dining, a hair salon, nail bar, concierge and a busy and varied programme of activities and events.
For further information Dechoker UK, please click here
