Two Western Australian children are alive today thanks to LifeVac anti-choking devices — lifesaving tools that have proven their worth in real emergencies, following tireless advocacy and awareness led by ZaZa’s Legacy.
The first incident occurred at a WA childcare centre, where a 19-month-old toddler choked on a piece of apple. Despite the swift response from highly trained first aid staff, traditional techniques failed to dislodge the obstruction.
As the situation turned critical and the ambulance had yet to arrive, staff turned to their LifeVac device — introduced after learning about ZaZa’s Legacy’s choking prevention campaign. Within seconds, the airway was cleared.
The toddler was taken to hospital and assessed with no harm found. Educators later said they firmly believe the LifeVac saved the child’s life.
The second rescue unfolded in Joondalup, at the home of former MP Jan and his wife Mira Their neighbor’s baby began choking on a small piece of Lego or a piece of object and turned blue.
While Jan was on the phone with Triple Zero, Mira remembered she had a LifeVac device in her car — something she purchased after seeing ZaZa’s Legacy’s work with the City of Joondalup.
Within moments, she used it to dislodge the object. Paramedics arrived soon after, and the baby was safely back home within two hours.
Jan later said:
“If we didn’t have that LifeVac, that baby wouldn’t be here today.”
He and Mira are preparing a written testimony and video and are willing to speak to the media to help raise awareness.
At ZaZa’s Legacy, we want to make it clear — we are not trying to replace first aid or emergency services.
However, the truth is that ambulances can take between 8–20 minutes to arrive, and when a child is choking, every second counts.
The LifeVac is not a replacement of FIRST AID please follow the the correct procedure — it’s an additional safety tool.
The LifeVac is not a replacement of FIRST AID please follow the correct procedures — it’s an additional safety tool.
LifeVac has a success rate of 97-100% and no reported harm.
For nearly the past 16 months , we have fought and continue to fight for change.
We have campaigned tirelessly to protect other children and families from the nightmare we live every single day.But change has been painfully slow.
Through the love and kindness of so many, ZaZa’s memory lives on in the work of our charity.
Together, we have placed free LifeVac anti-choking devices in childcare centres, schools, and homes across Western Australia.
💙 ZaZa’s Legacy is saving lives.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone who has stood beside us, supported us, and believed in this mission — especially:
The local councils who voted to install LifeVacs in city-managed facilities
The schools and P&Cs who fundraised to protect students
The childcare centres who took action to safeguard children
To all of you — thank you. But our mission is not yet done.
We will keep fighting until every Australian family, school, and childcare service has access to this simple, life-saving device.
💙 Our appeal to the community:
Talk to your school, your day care, your local council, and your Member of Parliament.
Ask them to support the installation of LifeVac devices.
Together, we can make sure no more lives are lost to choking.
ZaZa's Legacy - Choking Prevention Australia
City of Wanneroo
City of Joondalup - Government
ZaZa’s Legacy — Saving Lives Through Awareness, Education & Action
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ZaZa's Legacy - Choking Prevention Australia