According to the National Safety Council, in 2022, 5,553 people died from choking in the United States. Anti-choking devices may be useful in reducing the number of choking deaths, as the devices are easy to use. These devices fit securely over a choking individual’s mouth and nose and use suction to clear the obstruction from the airway. Kentucky and New Jersey have both proposed legislation recently to require schools to have anti-choking devices and appropriate training for their cafeteria staff.
 
To ensure the safety of the Commonwealth’s children and the preparedness of our school employees, I am introducing legislation to require school entities to obtain an anti-choking device for the cafeteria and in or around the school nurse’s office. In addition to having anti-choking devices, each school entity would be required to provide training on airway management, including the Heimlich maneuver, to any employee who is assigned to work in the cafeteria while students are present. My legislation would also apply civil immunity to a school employee who administers a portable airway clearance device.
 
Please consider joining me in co-sponsoring this legislation to ensure that our schools are adequately prepared and trained to handle choking situations.