AN Isle of Wight care home for ex-service men and women has installed new anti-choking equipment for the safety of both staff and residents.

St Vincent’s in Ryde, which was recently saved from closure, took delivery of the Dechoker last week when a team visited the home and trained staff how to use the device.

Every week in the UK, at least two care and nursing home residents die as a result of choking-related causes.

Since April this year, Dechoker has prevented seven choking deaths and the company aims to save 100 lives by 2022.

The home has long established links with SSAFA — the Armed Forces Charity — and as the order for the equipment happened to coincide with Remembrance Week, the manufacturer decided to donate the full £100 cost back to the local charity.

“The fact it was the first time Dechoker had been installed on the Island we wanted to do something special,” said Matt Oakley, of Dechoker UK.

“When we realised who the customer was and looked at the calendar, we knew what we wanted to do.”

Dechoker can remove the obstruction causing someone to choke in seconds, and can even be used when they are in a wheelchair.

Sharron Atter, registered manager at St Vincent’, said: “The safety of our residents is paramount and I am always looking for new measures to put in place to improve and enhance their safety.

“Loss of a resident from choking would be one loss too many and so purchasing the device was a very easy decision.”

She added: “The care staff received training and were pleased it is so easy to use. This simple little device has now given my team a large amount of reassurance and peace of mind.”