This month, Suzanne Gallier, Safety and Security Coordinator for Red River Parish Schools, trained all Red River Parish bus drivers on the LifeVac anti-choking device. 

“Due to the rural area we live in, the roads can be very bumpy which may cause a child to laugh or be alarmed, causing them to suddenly suck in air, therefore inviting the possibility of an accidental choking incident. Even though children are instructed not to eat or chew gum on the buses, there is always a possibility that it may take place. Any choking incident can be terrifying,” Gallier explained. 

 Considering this, all Red River Parish school bus drivers were issued the LifeVac anti-choking device to keep on their buses.  

“We aim to do everything in our power to protect the children of Red River Parish”, said Gallier.

Choking remains the fourth leading cause of accidental deaths worldwide, 5,000 plus yearly. Since brain damage can occur in minutes and death shortly thereafter, time is of the essence in choking emergencies.

The LifeVac was designed to remove airway obstructions, including phlegm and fluids. The distributed kits come with an adult mask and a child-sized mask. The LifeVac is so easy to use that people can use it alone. Thousands of documented lives have been saved from choking incidents since the introduction of the LifeVac. The LifeVac consists of a patented plunger attached to a one-way valve, which connects to a standard face mask covering the nose and throat. When the plunger is depressed, air is forced out of the sides and not into the victim, therefore nothing can be pushed further down into the throat. Pulling back on the plunger applies suction, removing the foreign object from the airway. To avoid accidental choking incidents, LifeVacs were also placed inside each concession stand, all cafeterias, with all P.E. Coaches and in all Head Start classrooms thus far.

Many safety/security measures have been heightened on all campuses. The most crucial measures consist of the following:
-Safety Film was installed on all interior and exterior windows, preventing immediate access through breakage or being shot out to gain entrance.
-New safety hardware/key system installed on all campus interior and exterior doors. The doors automatically lock upon shutting, putting us in compliance with Louisiana Legislation mandates. This hardware ensures time is spent immediately ushering students to designated safe spaces instead of worrying about getting the door secured.
-An emergency evacuation route was built for the Elementary School.
Controlled access was updated and reconfigured at the Elementary and junior high schools, heightening student and staff safety.
-Additional video surveillance throughout campuses.