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Supporters urge schools to carry airway‑clearance devices after choking deaths; bill would require one per school
Summary
HB 117 would require each Maryland school to have at least one airway‑clearance device and authorized staff; disability advocates and manufacturers said devices are a low‑cost, noninvasive backup when the Heimlich fails, while delegates asked about training, device lifespan and legal protections.
Delegate Rick Metzger presented House Bill 117, the Bowen Levy Airway Clearance Device Act, proposing that each school maintain at least one airway‑clearance device and designate trained staff (for example the school nurse) authorized to use it.
Advocates including Equal First Aid and disability organizations described higher choking risk for students with medical or mobility impairments and urged the devices as an inclusive safety…
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