On Thursday, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp announced a partnership between the Hamilton County Health Department and local nonprofit, GregO2, to distribute LifeVac devices communitywide. Nearly 1,000 first responder vehicles throughout the county will be equipped with the life-saving anti-choking devices by the end of the week, marking the first time a nonprofit has partnered with a local government to supply LifeVacs.
Additionally, the Hamilton County Health Department is partnering with GregO2 to install a LifeVac device in every restaurant, retirement home, and daycare center in the county as funds become available.
“Our partnership with GregO2 to make these novel, life-saving devices readily available is an innovative approach to promoting health and safety in Hamilton County,” said Mayor Wamp. “As a father of five young children, I’m grateful to Rob Creswell and the GregO2 organization for casting the vision that LifeVacs would be ubiquitous across Hamilton County.”
Creswell, a Chattanooga native and small business owner, founded GregO2 following his brother’s death last year. The foundation’s goal is to save lives by installing LifeVacs in every establishment possible throughout the community.
“The GregO2 Foundation is excited to partner with Hamilton County,” said GregO2 CEO Rob Creswell. “My brother, Greg, died from choking. Had a LifeVac been installed in the restaurant – Greg would still be here today. Our nonprofit aims to never let choking be responsible for claiming someone else’s life.”
LifeVac, a nationally acclaimed, FDA-registered device invented by Arthur Lih, is credited with saving more than 1,300 lives.
“LifeVac is an easy to use, life-saving device that will help increase a choking victim’s chance of survival,” said Sabrina Novak, Administrator of the Hamilton County Health Department. “We look forward to working with and educating the community on the importance of the LifeVac device.”
LifeVac devices can be acquired through GregO2 or LifeVac’s website. Donations of $100 or more to GregO2 will supply the donating resident with a LifeVac device, as well as fund additional LifeVac devices for GregO2 to place in a local restaurant.
