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Tongue Sucker is a simple-to-use device designed to hold the airway of an unconscious casualty open until paramedics arrive. It is non-invasive and can be used for adults or infants. The design is such that an untrained bystander can clear the airway of one casualty and then move on to assist others without risk to the first casualty.
More than a quarter of a million people are rendered unconscious in the UK each year. While unconscious, there is a great risk of suffocating on your own tongue due to the loss of muscle tone. This can result in brain damage or death. Paramedics are specially trained to open the airway of an unconscious casualty safely, using specialist tools called Guedal airways. Untrained bystanders are not qualified to use such tools. Tongue Sucker was developed to address this issue.
The team used the London bombings of 7/7 as a starting point to consider problems associated with mass casualty incidents. It became apparent from discussions with emergency services that any delay in the arrival of emergency services was critical. If a casualty’s airway is not secured within five minutes of injury, the patient will die.
The designers tested their new device under simulated emergency conditions to ensure that their user instructions were easy to follow by untrained bystanders. The team received positive feedback from all quarters, including Tony Luczak of St John’s Ambulance Brigade who commented: “There’s no doubt, this will save lives.”
Awards Tongue Sucker has since gone on to win several awards including a Deutsche Bank Pyramid Award, of £25,000 first prize in the 2006 New Business Challenge, the Red Dot communication design award and a Danish Index Award for Improving Life 2007..
The device will have to undergo clinical trials before it can be used as a first aid device but in its development the team has made significant progress in developing life saving equipment that can be put into the hands of untrained bystanders in emergency situations.
A patent has been filed and we are seeking potential licensees.
