FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — The next time a Franklin police officer encounters someone who's choking they’ll be prepared to step in. The department has purchased LifeVac kits that can save a life in a matter of seconds.
All patrol lieutenants and sergeants will get one so they'll be widely spread out throughout Franklin.
A LifeVac it a non invasive suction rescue device that can save a life in the event of air obstruction, like choking. Police Chief Deb Faulkner said she hopes her team never has to use them, but it's important to be prepared.
During this year's general session, there was a bill to require all youth sports coaches to be trained on these. While it didn't pass, a nonprofit backing it from Chattanooga was able to get the devices to every first responder in Hamilton County and has been also working to get them in every restaurant there too.
Stats show choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury death and infants and older adults are most at risk.
A lesson in never giving up: Jack's story will have you believing dreams really can come true. It's so uplifting to hear those around him talk about his determination and then to see it rewarded. Not many teens would email coaches every week just to hear a 'no,' but Jack did. And eventually, it all pays off.
-Rebecca Schleicher
