First aid, training and a backup device: what each one is for

This page does not ask you to choose a device over first aid. It shows the order that FDA describes: first aid first, always, and a device only after that has failed. Training is what makes the first aid possible.

Last updated 2026-11-04

Three things that have different jobs. First aid wins nearly every row.
Question	Standard first aid (first, always)	ResQVac kept as a backup (only after first aid fails)	First aid training (before any emergency)
When does it apply?	As soon as a person cannot cough, speak or breathe	Only after 911 is called and back blows and thrusts have failed	Now, before anything happens
Who stands behind it?	American Red Cross, American Heart Association, FDA	Nobody we can cite. No FDA clearance or authorization on file. No clinical study on file.	American Red Cross and American Heart Association teach it
What does the 2025 American Heart Association guideline say?	Recommends 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts for adults and children, and 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts for infants	Effectiveness and safety of suction devices not established. Not enough evidence to recommend them.	Encourages people to learn, and to refresh their skills
Equipment needed	None. Your hands.	The device, within reach, with the right mask	A class
Time to start	At once	Slower. You must fetch it, fit the mask and get a seal.	Done ahead of time
Babies under 1 year	Back blows and chest thrusts	We do not advise use	Choose a class that covers infants
Children aged 1 and over	Back blows and abdominal thrusts	Pediatric mask in the box, but no age limits or child instructions in the manual	Choose a class that covers children
If you are alone and choking	Call 911, then give yourself abdominal thrusts or press your abdomen against a firm object such as a chair back (Red Cross)	Our manual has no self-use instructions and we have no evidence on self-use. We do not advise relying on it.	A class can show you the self-rescue steps
Known problems	Thrusts can injure. The guideline cites case reports of serious injury. Get medical care afterward.	FDA reports: lack of suction, bruising around the face, lips and mouth, and scratches in the throat	Skills fade, so refresh them
Evidence quality	Limited but real. No randomized trials exist, and the guideline relies on observational data, including a cohort of 709 people.	We have none for this device. The guideline says published reports on suction devices do not show they are better than standard steps.	Not applicable
Cost	Free	See the prices on our home page	Varies by class and location

What to choose

Everyone: learn standard first aid. This is the choice that matters most, and it needs no purchase. Start with our step-by-step guide, then take a real class, because reading is not the same as hands-on practice.
If you can only do one thing this week: book a class. Do not buy a device instead of a class.
If you have a baby under 1 year: a class that covers infants is what you need. This device is not for your baby.
If you have had a class and still want a backup: a device may be a choice you make, knowing we have no FDA authorization and no study on file for this one. It is reasonable to decide you do not want one.

If you want a device with FDA authorization

We cannot show you that ResQVac has it. FDA says you can check any device in its medical device databases, keeping in mind that some devices are sold under several brand names. FDA also says a registration or listing entry is not approval, clearance or authorization. Read more in what FDA says about anti-choking devices.

Sources

See prices and how buying works