July has arrived, which means it’s peak time for outdoor adventuring across the U.S. July is National Parks Month, and nature lovers are taking advantage of the warm weather to enjoy the wilderness with activities like camping, hiking and boating. This is also the perfect time for us to talk about why our innovative choking first-aid device is a must-have for adventurers. Welcome to the first part of our three-part blog series on using The Dechoker in the great outdoors.

First up, let’s talk about family camping, the quintessential American summer activity. As innocent and fun as a trip to the woods or the lake can be, there’s unfortunately no escape from the risk of choking during a camping trip. In fact, there are some things about camping that may actually increase the risk of a choking emergency:

• Eating on the go: People are far more likely to choke on food than other objects, and that’s especially true for young children. What’s more, kids are more likely to choke if they are being active while eating rather than sitting still. On a camping trip, calm meals around a quiet table are less common than eating a granola bar on a hike, grabbing a sandwich from the cooler while out fishing or munching on s’mores while playing around the campfire. The more active you are while eating, the higher your choking risk.

• Hot dogs, the ultimate choking food: Speaking of eating risks, we have to mention hot dogs. They’re one of the most common camping foods, and they are the most common cause of choking among kids because of their size and shape. Other common camp foods that come with a high choking risk include marshmallows, peanut butter, popcorn, grapes and nuts.

• Remoteness: When we head out camping to “get away from it all,” that includes quick access to emergency services. Whether you’re tent camping in a national park or on a road trip in the RV, you should know that first responders are unlikely to reach you in minutes, as when you’re in a city. Depending how remote your campsite is, you may not even have cellphone service to call 911 in an emergency. A quick response is absolutely crucial with choking, as just a few minutes without oxygen can result in brain damage.

Our solution for these heightened choking risks: The Dechoker. Just as you take a first-aid kit with you when your family heads out camping, bringing a Dechoker along can provide peace of mind.

Lightweight and completely portable, our device packs up easily in the car or camper. We recommend keeping it with your other first-aid gear or with your “camp kitchen” equipment, and you should talk about it with your family so everyone knows where it is and how to use it in the event of an emergency.

Available in different sizes for toddlers, kids and adults, The Dechoker is an invaluable piece of camping gear. Learn more about how to use our innovative device here, and check back with us soon for Part 2 of this blog series, all about hiking.