The Health Subcommittee of the Tennessee State Legislature convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss several key legislative items, with a primary focus on House Bill 1084, introduced by Representative Martin. This bill aims to establish a limited grant program to reimburse local education agencies (LEAs), charter schools, private schools, and first responders for the purchase of anti-choking devices.

The meeting began with a motion to amend the bill, which was approved unanimously by the committee. The proposed grant program is set to allocate $500,000 from July 2025 through July 2028, allowing schools to acquire one device per cafeteria and first responders to obtain one device per vehicle. The Department of Health will oversee the program and set the rules for eligible devices.

Following the introduction of the bill, Rob Cresswell, a Chattanooga resident and advocate for anti-choking devices, provided testimony. Cresswell shared a personal story about his brother, who tragically died after choking in a restaurant. He emphasized the importance of having effective anti-choking devices, such as the LifeVac, which he claims has a 100% success rate in saving lives compared to the Heimlich maneuver, which has a 63% effectiveness rate.

Cresswell highlighted the alarming statistics regarding choking, particularly among children under five and the elderly. He has been actively promoting the distribution of these devices through his nonprofit organization, Greg O2, which has already placed over 2,200 devices in schools and public spaces in Hamilton County.

During the discussion, committee members expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing the need for greater awareness and education on choking emergencies. Representative McKenzie, who previously received a device from Cresswell, acknowledged the importance of educating the public on how to respond to choking incidents, particularly in situations where traditional methods may not be feasible.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore the implications of House Bill 1084 and its potential impact on community safety. The committee plans to continue discussions on this and related health initiatives in future sessions.