Son of Heimlich Maneuver inventor warns Kentucky lawmakers about anti-choking device bill

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - House Bill 335 was brought before the Veterans Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee last week.

It would require schools to train staff to use anti-choking devices if they have purchased them.

However, some fear, it may cause more harm than good.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Candy Massaroni (R) of Bardstown.

She says it would allow schools and other government facilities to obtain anti-choking devices and provide legal protections for staff who use them during emergencies.

Massaroni emphasized that the bill does not require schools to have the devices. “It is not mandated. It is a local control issue. They can decide if they want it or not.”

Massaroni said the company LifeVac, which had a representative attending the meeting via Zoom, previously offered to donate a device to any Kentucky school that wanted one and may still be willing to participate.

This legislation comes after the death of 8-year-old Landon McCubbins of Bardstown, who choked on a small ball in a Nelson County classroom.

His mother Lauren, spoke before lawmakers in support of the measure.

“Those emergency protocols failed my sweet boy, and there was not an anti-choking device in the school to try to save him,” McCubbins said. “I would give anything for my son to still be alive, and I will do everything in my power to save another child.”

But Phil Heimlich has some grave concerns, especially after the FDA sent the company LifeVac a letter last year, ordering the company to stop distributing the device, calling it a potential public health and safety risk.

Phil’s dad Dr. Henry Heimlich, coined the Heimlich Maneuver back in 1974 and tells WKYT’s Kelsey Souto, when done properly, the move is effective and free.

Heimlich says he doesn’t want to see people waste money, or precious time on a device or tool that may not work and could cost important seconds during a choking incident.

He says, he’d much rather see the legislature pass law to ensure all teachers and educators are properly trained on how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver.