Coroner advises restaurants have anti-choking tool

The coroners courts are in the Guildhall in Hull

A Hull coroner has recommended restaurants keep suction devices on their premises to help save lives if people are choking.

The suggestion follows the death of care home resident Stuart Gilchrist, 77, who choked while eating at a restaurant during a day out.

Coroner Lorraine Harris said suction devices were an "inexpensive item" that restaurants may not be aware of. They help remove food or other items from people's airways.

Ms Harris has sent A Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) report to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), The Food Standards Agency and East Riding Council.

A PFD report is issued when a coroner thinks action is needed to protect lives.

In June Mr Gilchrist had lunch at a restaurant with staff from his care home.

During the meal, food became lodged in his airway, and he struggled to breathe. The staff carried out first aid including back slaps and abdominal thrusts, but neither were successful.

Staff called for a LifeVac suction device which the report said was available in many care homes. The restaurant did not have the equipment.

Mr Gilchrist was taken by ambulance to hospital where he was given CPR but he died later.

The coroners report said during the inquest it was acknowledged that restaurants have first aid items such as defibrillators, but may not be aware that portable suction kits exist.

Ms Harris explained in her report: "Without restaurants and food establishments being made aware of such an item, they may not think to purchase one and retain it within their first aid armoury."

East Riding Council said it did not have the powers to specify the equipment provided in first aid kits and do not publish guidance on what should be provided. The council said it would signpost businesses to HSE guidance on what should be included in such kits.

The HSE and Food Standards Agency have until 5 November to respond.

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