September 6, 2025 • 27 mins
For more information on Equal First Aid, as featured on OneLegUpAlex Adapts
Director Toni L'Abbate (631-873-0907) and tlabatte@equalfirstaid.com
EqualFirstAid.com
Director Toni L'Abbate (631-873-0907) and tlabatte@equalfirstaid.com
EqualFirstAid.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Here's your host, Alex Darren. All right, well you might
have heard me mention equal First Aid in July actually
during ADA week because they, like so many other great organizations,
but they, particularly in the choking device sector, are trying
to make schools ADA compliant through legislature. I mean, Tony Labadi,
(00:27):
You've been there, You've been through this, You've been on
in Trenton, in Albany advocating for these anti choking devices.
And how are we doing the first week of school?
I want to bring on to end the first week
of school to get a recap from you.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Okay, So as far as the schools goes, I know that,
first of all, thank you again for having me on
the show. Within the past four years, we were able
to place legislation in thirteen states, but within four years,
Texas is the only state that passed the bill that
requires all schools, public and private, to be a DA
(01:04):
compliant and have an airway clearance device on every premise.
So the first week of school, I don't have the
stats yet, but I do know that thousands of schools
have reached out to Life BAC. Where back two years
ago in Wisconsin when we went to a hearing. The
first thing that the committee had asked was for a discount,
(01:25):
and they were worried about budget and money. And the
founder of life BAC had given every school in Wisconsin
and then extended it to the United States. So every
school in the US is eligible for an airway clearance device.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
So they need to reach out to schools.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
Atlifepac dot net and then from there they will get
their free device.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
We do recommend them, you know, and I'm.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
So glad to mention this because i feel like there
are schools that may not know this.
Speaker 3 (01:50):
Thanks you.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
So that's why we're talking about it, right, Yeah, So
every school is eligible, and then of course we recommend
that the nurses office, the gym teacher, the prince, everybody
should have a unit. What I do want to make clear,
which is this is one of the obstacles that we
come across. Devices are not to be used as a
first line of defense. This is when all protocol fails,
(02:15):
or if protocol cannot be done due to a person's
disability the size of their wheelchair, then they have this tool,
so you know, again with equal first aid. As I've
reached out to many organizations, the one that hit hardest
was the American Heart Association, where they sent me an
email stating that there are no recommendations to rescue an
(02:38):
individual with a disability who's in a wheelchair. So that
really fuels us. And we know that we have to
get devices in the hands of the disabled communities into
schools to make them a DA compliant. And again it's
not you know, we hear all kinds of oppositions. It's first,
if protocol is first, always, and then if it can't
(03:00):
be done, let's have a rescue device on hand.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
All right, I'm very interested to hear about this because
able bodied or disabled, wheelchair and not, we all face
the risk of choking. But how can it be adapted
so that people in wheelchairs and powerchairs can get that
device maybe a little in a different way that will
help them. Is there a certain mechanic that mechanics that
need to be in place for those in powerchairs and wheelchairs.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
As far as the device goes.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
Yeah, as far because it seems like they are a
distinction between the able body and disabled and in the wheelchair,
So why why now? What is making it accessible to
wheelchair folks? If you don't let me say it that
that hasn't been there before.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
Yeah, So I mean devices are, like you said, for everyone,
but it's especially if if protocol cannot be done on
this individual, you know, if you can't lift the person
out of the wheelchair. But devices are there, they're all
the same. They have little bags that you can hang
on the back of the wheelchair. If your child is
(04:02):
denied having an airway clearance device and it's not in
their their basic you know, sometimes they call it like
an IEP or there's a different code for it, like
a five oh one or something.
Speaker 3 (04:14):
That there's like a plan.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
If it's not in their plan and they the schools
won't put it in their plan, you can file an
Ada complaint.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
So you know, we come across that.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
But any anybody disabled abled can get their hands on
a device. But we're just trying to have schools mandated
because just knowing about it or them not having it,
we feel that it is urgent that devices should be
there to make sure that somebody with a disability also
(04:45):
has equal access to being rescued.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
So I'm going to be wondering, all right, what kind
of trainings needed for these devices and does this work
go towards training teachers and personnel in these schools to
make it to make them more aware of how to
help out someone with disability.
Speaker 2 (05:01):
So if the school decides that they want to go
with the company Lifeac, they would reach out to lifeac
dot net. Also onlifac dot net there is about a
four minute training video that you would be able to
watch and learn from there. Also, I know for sure
that if the school district needs hands on training, we
(05:22):
could definitely arrange something like that, but we would train
the nurses and the people in charge at the school.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Well that that's very reassuring to hear that the training
would be also provided, Tony. You know, I know I
mentioned Trenton. Then we didn't get a chance to recap
your venture to Trend with our mutual friend and someone
I'm known forever, Eric Ryan. I mean, he got a
whole group together to go down there. What was that like?
Speaker 2 (05:51):
Yeah, that was that was incredible. That's actually it's actually
very moving when you're there in person. Unfortunately, we we
we were at a hearing for the airway Clearance device bills,
but the family before us was just very devastating because
they were there also to get more aids on buses
(06:12):
for the handicapped children. Because there wasn't an aid on
this person's daughter's bus.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
Something happened.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
It wasn't a choking emergency, but the girl did have
a medical emergency, and the bus only drove the child
home and delivered the child unresponsive. So that, I mean,
I still get goosebumps after that hearing because things have
to change. We have to be able to all come
together and see what we can do to make sure
(06:43):
that everybody is treated equally and that everybody has really
an eye on everybody else, because that to me is
just mind blowing. So after that we went before the
committee and Eric and David and you know, we all
the Mavericks legacy, we all gave up our testimonies and
(07:03):
right now it's New Jersey was the first bill that
was introduced. And I'm gonna say it's going on five years,
but it might only be four and a half. Four
and a half years of just sitting there. After that hearing,
the bill did move. And what they're trying to do
now for New Jersey is just to make sure that
if a bill is to mandate airway clearance devices in schools,
(07:26):
how we how can we regulate that the schools are
not getting counterfeit devices, you know, so there's got it.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
So they're working on.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Some type of regulation or hopefully some third party that
I think it's plain and simple if they just deal
with the company themselves and not you know, just from
a Walmart or a different store selling these counterfeits.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Then I think that's how they can regulate it.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
But it did move a little bit in four and
a half years. We're still waiting though. The committee still didn't.
You know, it has to be reinterest in.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
You mentioned the counterfeits. I hear when I work on
the Joe Biscum busher all the time. There's a lot
of counterfeits out there, So how do how do we elimit?
You know, track that even harder and just make sure
there are no counterfeits out there? Well?
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Right, So that's that's Life Act where their counterfeit department
will be tracking everything and reporting what they have to report.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
And you know, as we come across counterfeits.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
Also, I've had people come to me too and with
a blue device and I'm like, oh no, no, that's
not going to work, and we replaced them free of charge.
But there is you know, there is at Life that
a whole team of counterfeit depart, you know, a whole
team working on the counterfeits.
Speaker 1 (08:41):
All right, Tony, I gotta ask you this because then
you know you have the gal. I believe this is
your fourth you know, annual and whatnot. You've even done
a gala. But how did you come to start Life
Equal First, A tell us how you developed all this
and really took charge and made this organization happen.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
So for many years, you know, I was a stay
at home mom and I took care of I was
a caregiver for the elderly and also for young adults
that were in wheelchairs. And one of my special little
patients was a young lady who we had to you know,
really mince up her food and give her thickener and
(09:21):
her water because of her swallowing. And from there, you know,
I also had known about Life Act, but at the
time Wifeac only had twenty five lives that were saved.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
And once I started.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
To speak with Arthur Lee and their team and learn
more about the risks of choking amongst the disabled and
the elderly, because the elderly, of course were cutting their
pills also you know, pureting their food. And also in
that field, we we weren't allowed to ask the aids
to even pure the food. The families have to come
(09:56):
in and do the pureting and give the medication.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
So this whole, this whole world win.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Of like caring for the elderly and then the young adults.
It was just something that I was very passionate about
for many, many years. I'm going to tell you more
than twenty five years. I don't want to give away
my age, but for many years, and I met Arthur Lee,
and once once I was contacted honestly by Phyllis who's
(10:23):
in New Jersey.
Speaker 3 (10:24):
She was the mom that put the first bill in.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Once I was contacted by her that there was a
ready legislation in, I decided that, hey, why not do
it in New York? Why not do it in Connecticut?
So at that point, I know you're.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
Saying, why not doing it in all fifty states?
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Right?
Speaker 1 (10:39):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Well yeah, so that in the beginning though, I was
just like, well why not here?
Speaker 3 (10:43):
Why not there?
Speaker 2 (10:44):
And that's my goal is all fifty states. So that's
how that's how I've grown over the past four years.
So again it expands and it's very very exciting, but
It's not easy because, like I mentioned to you earlier,
there was thirteen states that we were able to get
legislation in and about I guess like maybe two of
them dropped off, but most states will be reintroduced. But
(11:07):
one state we were able to pass a law, and
that's the Western Mandrel Act, which is named after a
young boy who tragically passed from choking in Texas. That
bill we got done within seven months, and that is now,
like I said earlier, a requirement in every single school,
public and private in Texas. So that's how Equal First Aid.
(11:28):
We decided then to go state to state. But as
you know, like in New Jersey, no matter how we fight,
no matter how many hearings we go to, there's opposition,
there's you know, it's politics.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
I mean, unfortunately, I've been.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
Told point blank, right to my face that well it's
a blue state, it's not going to happen, or well
we're not going to do what Texas has done because
we don't want to follow Texas. So it is a game,
and that's the only way I can describe it. You
just have to play the game. And that's unfortunate because
lives are at stake.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Tony Lebani. I gotta ask you this. Have you had
parents come up to you and say thank you for
putting these in my kids' school? Like? Do parents start
to feel safer when these anti choking devices are in there? Oh?
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Yeah, I mean obviously parents are always very grateful.
Speaker 3 (12:20):
Schools.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
There are thousands of schools that are now equipped with
airway clearance devices. We have a bigger picture to get done,
and that's an oral working on now. But of course
it gives a parent a sense of relief, and especially
if their child has a disability. And there's last year,
I started reaching out to anybody that again wants to
(12:46):
file an ADA complaint. If you feel that your school
is not compliant with the ADA and will not put
an airway clearance device, please give us a call file
an ADA complaint. You will get an airway clearance device
for free just for helping us out and we want
you to be protected. So you know, again, it gives
everybody peace of mind, and that's what we want, zero
(13:08):
choking debts. Right now, there's five thousand people each year
that die from choking. We want to see zero. We
don't want it, you know, And sadly to say, I'll
give you an example Maryland. Maryland is the next state
hopefully in January that will meet all.
Speaker 3 (13:24):
Of us and put you know, together a nice hearing.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
Maryland came across because after a few years after this
young man choked, then it came out on social media
and it came out on all Google alerts that hey,
this is what happened in young men Bowen had passed away.
That was years ago, so nobody ever heard of it.
We don't hear of the choking tragedies because they're hush hush,
(13:52):
there's lawsuits. The schools hide them, so you know, everybody thinks, oh,
I went to school and I never had a choking
incident there. But four years later, after the Shong man
passed and it's out, the reporters reached out to me. Actually,
that's the first state that I had a representative reach
out to. Equal first date to say, I cried when
(14:12):
I heard that. Let's get this going. So Marilyn is
going to be right there next. I'm hoping New York.
But again, we have oppositions, so we need listeners to
really just simply just contact me. I can put my
number out there twenty four to seven. Any questions if
anybody wants to help move legislation and help us out
(14:34):
and just support our mission and these legislations, it would
be greatly appreciated.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
Well, I want a person thank you for having Gaby
and I on your team now, graphics and video. This
is awesome. I love that we're all coming together here, right.
Speaker 2 (14:48):
I love that we're all coming together, and I hope
you're going to join me on the seventeenth.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
Yes, we got to make that a priority to come
out and be with you guys for EFA. All right.
You know, we talk about legislation, and I find this
is the case with insurance too, right, there's just so
many loopholes and all that. So how do you convince
these legislators, hey, screw the loopholes, just get it in
the schools, Like I feel like they all go through
(15:14):
these legal things to make it not happen.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
Yeah, I think that, you know from my experience, and
believe me when I first began four years ago.
Speaker 3 (15:24):
I'm not big into politics.
Speaker 2 (15:25):
I don't want to be known as as red or blue.
It's I just want to help save life. So I
don't care how we get there. I'm not going to
pick and choose what side I'm on, but I just
feel like you need a true champion, a true representative
that's just got fire under them, that really believes it,
(15:49):
you know. Also the New York City, the New York
City Council, we had a hearing, I don't know if
it was may or June. Life Act was invited also,
and that representative's grandfather died in a choking tragedy in
a restaurant. She was a firecracker, And we went to
a hearing, and again we have opposition. We had hours
(16:13):
and hours and hours of opposition because the first thing
that people are going to say is, well, there's the
Heimlich maneuver or there's protocol.
Speaker 3 (16:20):
And again that's why I started the show off.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
We want everyone to be able to do protocol first,
but we're just saying, please, if it fails or it
cannot be done, let's have a backup option. So in
New York City, we're waiting for a hearing again to
have every school in New York City equipped, and from
there we're going to go to all restaurants in New
(16:44):
York City. So it's not just schools, it's not for
just the disability communities. This is on behalf of equal
first eight. I would love for every everybody that's in
spina bifida and the down syndrome communities because I know
of families that have been saved, and I also work
with the families that have lost their child due to choking,
(17:05):
and together we all come together.
Speaker 4 (17:08):
So I just feel like we need a champion and
a true believer, and you seem to find the right
people to come alongside, like Eric and Arthur Lee.
Speaker 1 (17:21):
I mean, those two are champions in and of their
own right. I'm glad that those connections have happened, for sure.
Speaker 3 (17:27):
You know what I love about that? Though?
Speaker 2 (17:28):
Eric, I didn't know of Eric and his company, but
when I saw them on the back of the Able magazine,
that's how I met him. I was so touched and
so inspired by what's happening right here in our hometown,
Long Island, that I reached out. And the best part
of that was I didn't get a voice recording. I
didn't get Hey, he'll call you back. I got Eric
(17:51):
on the phone and I was blown away. I was like,
oh my gosh, you're answering your own phone, of your
own company.
Speaker 3 (17:57):
And right there we met, We became friends.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
We try to help each other, you know, and again
and meeting you through him and through life BacT. You know,
our army just has to get.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
Some of the answer. I mean, if I was on
that remote that day, who knows, we wouldn't have made
it that morning. But here we are. Yeah, that's really special.
The jokes on his team and now we're connected.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
I mean, and I loved meeting you, but knowing who
you were before meeting you, and that's why I was like,
hey are you Alex? You know, so I think that
all of us working together and you having me on
your show to really you know, talk about equal first
date and how people can help and and our mission
is just you know, I can't be any more thankful.
Speaker 3 (18:43):
I really truly appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (18:45):
Now, any folks that have you know, in that legal
realm that have come alongside, I mean, anybody want to
shout out that are trying to be that champion you know,
through law for you guys.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
So I mean I can really I think that you know,
are in Maryland, if there's anybody in Maryland representative metscar
He's just truly amazing.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
You know, New York. I don't know what to say
about New York.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
I mean, I'm actually a little bit disappointed because we're
going on four years in New York. In June of
twenty twenty two, we passed the Senate with flying colors,
but the Assembly didn't move. And what happens here here
is if there is opposition, if there is somebody that says, hey,
devices are not FDA approved.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
You know they're not.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
All devices are registered with the FDA. So there's lots
of things in schools that will help us. God forbid
there's a shooting incident or somebody gets hurt that are
not FDA approved, so.
Speaker 3 (19:45):
That, you know, we have to come across the you know,
there's obstacles.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
We have to climb them and we have to get
over them. But we had we have Kentucky. She was
a great representative out there, Masarini locally, honestly, we have
to push.
Speaker 3 (20:02):
Through in January. We have to start fresh.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
Well, we'll be there with you to help you do that. Now,
I want to know the work you're doing in schools.
Could that be a gateway to you know, it is
interesting when I hear stories that someone at a restaurant
had a life back because the restaurants themselves and had
the life back there. Are is this going to go
into other realms where we can put these devices in?
Speaker 2 (20:24):
Yeah, so of course you know we have life fact
that's working. You know, their sales team is just incredible
where they're putting them, you know, in nursing homes and
all facilities, restaurants. They have a whole bunch of distributors
out there that are working with them. They have CPR trainers.
So we're trying to get every every corner that in
(20:48):
the hands of everybody when they needed And honestly, we've
tried to talk with the FAA because there was a
young girl that was saved on an airplane, so every
airplane should be equipped was a device also because when
you're flying, you know, eight hours or six hours over
the ocean and something's happening, just have a backup option. So,
(21:09):
you know, we're hoping to get them everywhere.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
I feel like you put your stake in the ground
with this because you saw no one else was doing it.
And that's because of your years of experience. But as
you've grown and you've seen the support, does that support
sort of feel like an oh wow, they're coming alongside me.
Does that ever get older? Or is it like a
new surprise when someone else comes alongside me.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
Support is not just great surprise, it's such a great
surprise because we you know, again four years ago, it
was the outreach, it was the organizations and again I
mentioned Spider Biffita and the Down Syndrome Association, and you know,
they're they're all over the country that do support equal
first date.
Speaker 3 (21:50):
But sometimes support is just not enough.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
We have to It's one thing to write it down
that we support you, and then it's the other to
get on board to all their senators to come to
the hearings. So I do appreciate every phone call that's made,
any email that is written in support of a piece
of legislation, or just asking representative, would you be willing
(22:16):
to really do what Texas has done? Would you be
willing to put a bill in that would allow devices
in schools? And really that's all it is. And once
we get another you know, another state, we follow up
with that. And so yes, it's always a surprise, it's
always welcomed.
Speaker 3 (22:34):
I'm thankful for everybody that can help.
Speaker 1 (22:39):
Well Tony. I know it's only a week one, but
come back sort of give us a a you know,
near the things giving break, if any other news has
come around for the schools this part of the fall,
I always find this is the busiest time of year.
Kids are going back to school and everybody's back up
and hustling. I get to the city now at seven
in the morning and I see the city's back pre
pandemic levels. I even notice that too, but we're all
(23:01):
I can add them this September, and I want to
follow with you by by November or if any other
news breaks along the way here.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
I would love that.
Speaker 2 (23:09):
So also I want to just mention to your listeners
that I want to throw out there my email address,
because yes, please do quick email, so it's t L
A bb A t E at equal Firstaid dot com.
I also will throw out the phone numbers so that
you can just text me if that's easier, because sometimes
(23:31):
texting is just a little quicker. It's six three one
eight seven three zero nine zero seven.
Speaker 3 (23:38):
You can reach me.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
Just throw your name in there. I will respond personally
to you. And also, if anybody does want to order
a device, if you use code e F A ten,
you will get ten dollars off your purchase and shipping
is free, so that's kind of that's kind of huge
with the free shipping because sometimes that can you know,
that could cost a lot.
Speaker 1 (24:01):
Well, that is uh, that's important and I'm glad you've
put out your contact.
Speaker 3 (24:05):
Now.
Speaker 1 (24:06):
One last thing as we're talking here, I would love
to get one of those that's signed on to the
bill in Texas to maybe say hey, if Texas can
do it, here's why they did it, and have that
representative inspire other Saints. We maybe we can arrange that
to join us.
Speaker 2 (24:20):
Yeah, that would be that would be great. I'm happy
to you know, to work with you on this and
just to get their attention. And like I said, New York,
right now, we're just we're just at a stall. Everything
has to be reintroduced.
Speaker 3 (24:33):
And if any of your listeners look on S.
Speaker 2 (24:37):
One two six', nine that bill is just now going
to have to be. Reintroduced but we don't have an
assembly side, yet so we're going to need an assemblyman
to pick up on this bill. Again it passed in
twenty twenty, two we're going into twenty twenty six and.
Speaker 3 (24:53):
We got, nowhere so we need to really use our.
Speaker 1 (24:56):
Voices, Well i've had a couple of sembling people. On
maybe well we'll reach out to them and see if
they can join them in this. Fight that would be.
Amazing but for, now totally little. Body this was great,
introductory you, know, conversation AND i want to elaborate more
as time goes, on because again it's only the first
week at, school And i'm glad you're in. There you're
fighting already to make these schools. Safer and you know
(25:18):
you mentioned The heimlich maneuver and all That i've. Say
WHEN i was up TO SCARTI i noticed one of
the techniques was sort of pressing on the chest because
they couldn't get them out of the. Chair right, now
this could evolve that process to even better results than
pressing on the chest and trying to clear the airways
like they had seen them do time and time again
times up To scarty right.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
Or before you, know they, say you, know obviously we
don't want the person to lose too you, know too
much air and to have any kind of brain.
Speaker 3 (25:50):
Damage so this is just one or two.
Speaker 2 (25:51):
Pumps first of, all The Life, act if anybody looks it,
up it has a one wave, thalve so it looks
like a handheld. Plunger it will not push the object further.
Down it's not the plunger that we're used. To there's
a one way valve so the air does escape out
of the little vents of the sides once you push,
down so you will not lodge it. Further one or
(26:14):
two pumps up and it will clear the. Airway so
it's just a backup. Tool i'd love to see them
on the back of every wheelchair and in.
Speaker 3 (26:23):
Schools that's that's my.
Speaker 2 (26:24):
Goal so Once january comes, around we're heading For states, two,
three and, four.
Speaker 1 (26:31):
All, right and we'll be there with you. Here One
Leg Up alex adapting today With Tony labodi Of Equal First.
Aid give the website one more.
Speaker 2 (26:39):
Time the website is equal firstaid dot org and my
email is t L. A Bbat e at Equal firstaid dot.
COM i welcome anybody's, conversation any. Questions i'm here to.
Speaker 3 (26:56):
Help all.
Speaker 1 (26:57):
Right that was, Great, Tony and by the, way we
will be with you at your next you, know rally
in one of these. Capitals i'd love to be there
with you as you do.
Speaker 3 (27:06):
Those thank you so.
Speaker 1 (27:07):
Much all, right that's totally the body On One Leg
Up alex network. Today thanks, Again thank.
Speaker 3 (27:14):
You alex have a great. Day
Here's your host, Alex Darren. All right, well you might
have heard me mention equal First Aid in July actually
during ADA week because they, like so many other great organizations,
but they, particularly in the choking device sector, are trying
to make schools ADA compliant through legislature. I mean, Tony Labadi,
(00:27):
You've been there, You've been through this, You've been on
in Trenton, in Albany advocating for these anti choking devices.
And how are we doing the first week of school?
I want to bring on to end the first week
of school to get a recap from you.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Okay, So as far as the schools goes, I know that,
first of all, thank you again for having me on
the show. Within the past four years, we were able
to place legislation in thirteen states, but within four years,
Texas is the only state that passed the bill that
requires all schools, public and private, to be a DA
(01:04):
compliant and have an airway clearance device on every premise.
So the first week of school, I don't have the
stats yet, but I do know that thousands of schools
have reached out to Life BAC. Where back two years
ago in Wisconsin when we went to a hearing. The
first thing that the committee had asked was for a discount,
(01:25):
and they were worried about budget and money. And the
founder of life BAC had given every school in Wisconsin
and then extended it to the United States. So every
school in the US is eligible for an airway clearance device.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
So they need to reach out to schools.
Speaker 2 (01:41):
Atlifepac dot net and then from there they will get
their free device.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
We do recommend them, you know, and I'm.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
So glad to mention this because i feel like there
are schools that may not know this.
Speaker 3 (01:50):
Thanks you.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
So that's why we're talking about it, right, Yeah, So
every school is eligible, and then of course we recommend
that the nurses office, the gym teacher, the prince, everybody
should have a unit. What I do want to make clear,
which is this is one of the obstacles that we
come across. Devices are not to be used as a
first line of defense. This is when all protocol fails,
(02:15):
or if protocol cannot be done due to a person's
disability the size of their wheelchair, then they have this tool,
so you know, again with equal first aid. As I've
reached out to many organizations, the one that hit hardest
was the American Heart Association, where they sent me an
email stating that there are no recommendations to rescue an
(02:38):
individual with a disability who's in a wheelchair. So that
really fuels us. And we know that we have to
get devices in the hands of the disabled communities into
schools to make them a DA compliant. And again it's
not you know, we hear all kinds of oppositions. It's first,
if protocol is first, always, and then if it can't
(03:00):
be done, let's have a rescue device on hand.
Speaker 1 (03:03):
All right, I'm very interested to hear about this because
able bodied or disabled, wheelchair and not, we all face
the risk of choking. But how can it be adapted
so that people in wheelchairs and powerchairs can get that
device maybe a little in a different way that will
help them. Is there a certain mechanic that mechanics that
need to be in place for those in powerchairs and wheelchairs.
Speaker 3 (03:27):
As far as the device goes.
Speaker 1 (03:28):
Yeah, as far because it seems like they are a
distinction between the able body and disabled and in the wheelchair,
So why why now? What is making it accessible to
wheelchair folks? If you don't let me say it that
that hasn't been there before.
Speaker 2 (03:42):
Yeah, So I mean devices are, like you said, for everyone,
but it's especially if if protocol cannot be done on
this individual, you know, if you can't lift the person
out of the wheelchair. But devices are there, they're all
the same. They have little bags that you can hang
on the back of the wheelchair. If your child is
(04:02):
denied having an airway clearance device and it's not in
their their basic you know, sometimes they call it like
an IEP or there's a different code for it, like
a five oh one or something.
Speaker 3 (04:14):
That there's like a plan.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
If it's not in their plan and they the schools
won't put it in their plan, you can file an
Ada complaint.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
So you know, we come across that.
Speaker 2 (04:23):
But any anybody disabled abled can get their hands on
a device. But we're just trying to have schools mandated
because just knowing about it or them not having it,
we feel that it is urgent that devices should be
there to make sure that somebody with a disability also
(04:45):
has equal access to being rescued.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
So I'm going to be wondering, all right, what kind
of trainings needed for these devices and does this work
go towards training teachers and personnel in these schools to
make it to make them more aware of how to
help out someone with disability.
Speaker 2 (05:01):
So if the school decides that they want to go
with the company Lifeac, they would reach out to lifeac
dot net. Also onlifac dot net there is about a
four minute training video that you would be able to
watch and learn from there. Also, I know for sure
that if the school district needs hands on training, we
(05:22):
could definitely arrange something like that, but we would train
the nurses and the people in charge at the school.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Well that that's very reassuring to hear that the training
would be also provided, Tony. You know, I know I
mentioned Trenton. Then we didn't get a chance to recap
your venture to Trend with our mutual friend and someone
I'm known forever, Eric Ryan. I mean, he got a
whole group together to go down there. What was that like?
Speaker 2 (05:51):
Yeah, that was that was incredible. That's actually it's actually
very moving when you're there in person. Unfortunately, we we
we were at a hearing for the airway Clearance device bills,
but the family before us was just very devastating because
they were there also to get more aids on buses
(06:12):
for the handicapped children. Because there wasn't an aid on
this person's daughter's bus.
Speaker 3 (06:20):
Something happened.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
It wasn't a choking emergency, but the girl did have
a medical emergency, and the bus only drove the child
home and delivered the child unresponsive. So that, I mean,
I still get goosebumps after that hearing because things have
to change. We have to be able to all come
together and see what we can do to make sure
(06:43):
that everybody is treated equally and that everybody has really
an eye on everybody else, because that to me is
just mind blowing. So after that we went before the
committee and Eric and David and you know, we all
the Mavericks legacy, we all gave up our testimonies and
(07:03):
right now it's New Jersey was the first bill that
was introduced. And I'm gonna say it's going on five years,
but it might only be four and a half. Four
and a half years of just sitting there. After that hearing,
the bill did move. And what they're trying to do
now for New Jersey is just to make sure that
if a bill is to mandate airway clearance devices in schools,
(07:26):
how we how can we regulate that the schools are
not getting counterfeit devices, you know, so there's got it.
Speaker 3 (07:34):
So they're working on.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
Some type of regulation or hopefully some third party that
I think it's plain and simple if they just deal
with the company themselves and not you know, just from
a Walmart or a different store selling these counterfeits.
Speaker 3 (07:50):
Then I think that's how they can regulate it.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
But it did move a little bit in four and
a half years. We're still waiting though. The committee still didn't.
You know, it has to be reinterest in.
Speaker 1 (08:00):
You mentioned the counterfeits. I hear when I work on
the Joe Biscum busher all the time. There's a lot
of counterfeits out there, So how do how do we elimit?
You know, track that even harder and just make sure
there are no counterfeits out there? Well?
Speaker 2 (08:13):
Right, So that's that's Life Act where their counterfeit department
will be tracking everything and reporting what they have to report.
Speaker 3 (08:21):
And you know, as we come across counterfeits.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
Also, I've had people come to me too and with
a blue device and I'm like, oh no, no, that's
not going to work, and we replaced them free of charge.
But there is you know, there is at Life that
a whole team of counterfeit depart, you know, a whole
team working on the counterfeits.
Speaker 1 (08:41):
All right, Tony, I gotta ask you this because then
you know you have the gal. I believe this is
your fourth you know, annual and whatnot. You've even done
a gala. But how did you come to start Life
Equal First, A tell us how you developed all this
and really took charge and made this organization happen.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
So for many years, you know, I was a stay
at home mom and I took care of I was
a caregiver for the elderly and also for young adults
that were in wheelchairs. And one of my special little
patients was a young lady who we had to you know,
really mince up her food and give her thickener and
(09:21):
her water because of her swallowing. And from there, you know,
I also had known about Life Act, but at the
time Wifeac only had twenty five lives that were saved.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
And once I started.
Speaker 2 (09:34):
To speak with Arthur Lee and their team and learn
more about the risks of choking amongst the disabled and
the elderly, because the elderly, of course were cutting their
pills also you know, pureting their food. And also in
that field, we we weren't allowed to ask the aids
to even pure the food. The families have to come
(09:56):
in and do the pureting and give the medication.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
So this whole, this whole world win.
Speaker 2 (10:02):
Of like caring for the elderly and then the young adults.
It was just something that I was very passionate about
for many, many years. I'm going to tell you more
than twenty five years. I don't want to give away
my age, but for many years, and I met Arthur Lee,
and once once I was contacted honestly by Phyllis who's
(10:23):
in New Jersey.
Speaker 3 (10:24):
She was the mom that put the first bill in.
Speaker 2 (10:26):
Once I was contacted by her that there was a
ready legislation in, I decided that, hey, why not do
it in New York? Why not do it in Connecticut?
So at that point, I know you're.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
Saying, why not doing it in all fifty states?
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Right?
Speaker 1 (10:39):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Well yeah, so that in the beginning though, I was
just like, well why not here?
Speaker 3 (10:43):
Why not there?
Speaker 2 (10:44):
And that's my goal is all fifty states. So that's
how that's how I've grown over the past four years.
So again it expands and it's very very exciting, but
It's not easy because, like I mentioned to you earlier,
there was thirteen states that we were able to get
legislation in and about I guess like maybe two of
them dropped off, but most states will be reintroduced. But
(11:07):
one state we were able to pass a law, and
that's the Western Mandrel Act, which is named after a
young boy who tragically passed from choking in Texas. That
bill we got done within seven months, and that is now,
like I said earlier, a requirement in every single school,
public and private in Texas. So that's how Equal First Aid.
(11:28):
We decided then to go state to state. But as
you know, like in New Jersey, no matter how we fight,
no matter how many hearings we go to, there's opposition,
there's you know, it's politics.
Speaker 3 (11:41):
I mean, unfortunately, I've been.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
Told point blank, right to my face that well it's
a blue state, it's not going to happen, or well
we're not going to do what Texas has done because
we don't want to follow Texas. So it is a game,
and that's the only way I can describe it. You
just have to play the game. And that's unfortunate because
lives are at stake.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Tony Lebani. I gotta ask you this. Have you had
parents come up to you and say thank you for
putting these in my kids' school? Like? Do parents start
to feel safer when these anti choking devices are in there? Oh?
Speaker 2 (12:15):
Yeah, I mean obviously parents are always very grateful.
Speaker 3 (12:20):
Schools.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
There are thousands of schools that are now equipped with
airway clearance devices. We have a bigger picture to get done,
and that's an oral working on now. But of course
it gives a parent a sense of relief, and especially
if their child has a disability. And there's last year,
I started reaching out to anybody that again wants to
(12:46):
file an ADA complaint. If you feel that your school
is not compliant with the ADA and will not put
an airway clearance device, please give us a call file
an ADA complaint. You will get an airway clearance device
for free just for helping us out and we want
you to be protected. So you know, again, it gives
everybody peace of mind, and that's what we want, zero
(13:08):
choking debts. Right now, there's five thousand people each year
that die from choking. We want to see zero. We
don't want it, you know, And sadly to say, I'll
give you an example Maryland. Maryland is the next state
hopefully in January that will meet all.
Speaker 3 (13:24):
Of us and put you know, together a nice hearing.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
Maryland came across because after a few years after this
young man choked, then it came out on social media
and it came out on all Google alerts that hey,
this is what happened in young men Bowen had passed away.
That was years ago, so nobody ever heard of it.
We don't hear of the choking tragedies because they're hush hush,
(13:52):
there's lawsuits. The schools hide them, so you know, everybody thinks, oh,
I went to school and I never had a choking
incident there. But four years later, after the Shong man
passed and it's out, the reporters reached out to me. Actually,
that's the first state that I had a representative reach
out to. Equal first date to say, I cried when
(14:12):
I heard that. Let's get this going. So Marilyn is
going to be right there next. I'm hoping New York.
But again, we have oppositions, so we need listeners to
really just simply just contact me. I can put my
number out there twenty four to seven. Any questions if
anybody wants to help move legislation and help us out
(14:34):
and just support our mission and these legislations, it would
be greatly appreciated.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
Well, I want a person thank you for having Gaby
and I on your team now, graphics and video. This
is awesome. I love that we're all coming together here, right.
Speaker 2 (14:48):
I love that we're all coming together, and I hope
you're going to join me on the seventeenth.
Speaker 1 (14:54):
Yes, we got to make that a priority to come
out and be with you guys for EFA. All right.
You know, we talk about legislation, and I find this
is the case with insurance too, right, there's just so
many loopholes and all that. So how do you convince
these legislators, hey, screw the loopholes, just get it in
the schools, Like I feel like they all go through
(15:14):
these legal things to make it not happen.
Speaker 2 (15:17):
Yeah, I think that, you know from my experience, and
believe me when I first began four years ago.
Speaker 3 (15:24):
I'm not big into politics.
Speaker 2 (15:25):
I don't want to be known as as red or blue.
It's I just want to help save life. So I
don't care how we get there. I'm not going to
pick and choose what side I'm on, but I just
feel like you need a true champion, a true representative
that's just got fire under them, that really believes it,
(15:49):
you know. Also the New York City, the New York
City Council, we had a hearing, I don't know if
it was may or June. Life Act was invited also,
and that representative's grandfather died in a choking tragedy in
a restaurant. She was a firecracker, And we went to
a hearing, and again we have opposition. We had hours
(16:13):
and hours and hours of opposition because the first thing
that people are going to say is, well, there's the
Heimlich maneuver or there's protocol.
Speaker 3 (16:20):
And again that's why I started the show off.
Speaker 2 (16:23):
We want everyone to be able to do protocol first,
but we're just saying, please, if it fails or it
cannot be done, let's have a backup option. So in
New York City, we're waiting for a hearing again to
have every school in New York City equipped, and from
there we're going to go to all restaurants in New
(16:44):
York City. So it's not just schools, it's not for
just the disability communities. This is on behalf of equal
first eight. I would love for every everybody that's in
spina bifida and the down syndrome communities because I know
of families that have been saved, and I also work
with the families that have lost their child due to choking,
(17:05):
and together we all come together.
Speaker 4 (17:08):
So I just feel like we need a champion and
a true believer, and you seem to find the right
people to come alongside, like Eric and Arthur Lee.
Speaker 1 (17:21):
I mean, those two are champions in and of their
own right. I'm glad that those connections have happened, for sure.
Speaker 3 (17:27):
You know what I love about that? Though?
Speaker 2 (17:28):
Eric, I didn't know of Eric and his company, but
when I saw them on the back of the Able magazine,
that's how I met him. I was so touched and
so inspired by what's happening right here in our hometown,
Long Island, that I reached out. And the best part
of that was I didn't get a voice recording. I
didn't get Hey, he'll call you back. I got Eric
(17:51):
on the phone and I was blown away. I was like,
oh my gosh, you're answering your own phone, of your
own company.
Speaker 3 (17:57):
And right there we met, We became friends.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
We try to help each other, you know, and again
and meeting you through him and through life BacT. You know,
our army just has to get.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
Some of the answer. I mean, if I was on
that remote that day, who knows, we wouldn't have made
it that morning. But here we are. Yeah, that's really special.
The jokes on his team and now we're connected.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
I mean, and I loved meeting you, but knowing who
you were before meeting you, and that's why I was like,
hey are you Alex? You know, so I think that
all of us working together and you having me on
your show to really you know, talk about equal first
date and how people can help and and our mission
is just you know, I can't be any more thankful.
Speaker 3 (18:43):
I really truly appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (18:45):
Now, any folks that have you know, in that legal
realm that have come alongside, I mean, anybody want to
shout out that are trying to be that champion you know,
through law for you guys.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
So I mean I can really I think that you know,
are in Maryland, if there's anybody in Maryland representative metscar
He's just truly amazing.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
You know, New York. I don't know what to say
about New York.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
I mean, I'm actually a little bit disappointed because we're
going on four years in New York. In June of
twenty twenty two, we passed the Senate with flying colors,
but the Assembly didn't move. And what happens here here
is if there is opposition, if there is somebody that says, hey,
devices are not FDA approved.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
You know they're not.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
All devices are registered with the FDA. So there's lots
of things in schools that will help us. God forbid
there's a shooting incident or somebody gets hurt that are
not FDA approved, so.
Speaker 3 (19:45):
That, you know, we have to come across the you know,
there's obstacles.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
We have to climb them and we have to get
over them. But we had we have Kentucky. She was
a great representative out there, Masarini locally, honestly, we have
to push.
Speaker 3 (20:02):
Through in January. We have to start fresh.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
Well, we'll be there with you to help you do that. Now,
I want to know the work you're doing in schools.
Could that be a gateway to you know, it is
interesting when I hear stories that someone at a restaurant
had a life back because the restaurants themselves and had
the life back there. Are is this going to go
into other realms where we can put these devices in?
Speaker 2 (20:24):
Yeah, so of course you know we have life fact
that's working. You know, their sales team is just incredible
where they're putting them, you know, in nursing homes and
all facilities, restaurants. They have a whole bunch of distributors
out there that are working with them. They have CPR trainers.
So we're trying to get every every corner that in
(20:48):
the hands of everybody when they needed And honestly, we've
tried to talk with the FAA because there was a
young girl that was saved on an airplane, so every
airplane should be equipped was a device also because when
you're flying, you know, eight hours or six hours over
the ocean and something's happening, just have a backup option. So,
(21:09):
you know, we're hoping to get them everywhere.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
I feel like you put your stake in the ground
with this because you saw no one else was doing it.
And that's because of your years of experience. But as
you've grown and you've seen the support, does that support
sort of feel like an oh wow, they're coming alongside me.
Does that ever get older? Or is it like a
new surprise when someone else comes alongside me.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
Support is not just great surprise, it's such a great
surprise because we you know, again four years ago, it
was the outreach, it was the organizations and again I
mentioned Spider Biffita and the Down Syndrome Association, and you know,
they're they're all over the country that do support equal
first date.
Speaker 3 (21:50):
But sometimes support is just not enough.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
We have to It's one thing to write it down
that we support you, and then it's the other to
get on board to all their senators to come to
the hearings. So I do appreciate every phone call that's made,
any email that is written in support of a piece
of legislation, or just asking representative, would you be willing
(22:16):
to really do what Texas has done? Would you be
willing to put a bill in that would allow devices
in schools? And really that's all it is. And once
we get another you know, another state, we follow up
with that. And so yes, it's always a surprise, it's
always welcomed.
Speaker 3 (22:34):
I'm thankful for everybody that can help.
Speaker 1 (22:39):
Well Tony. I know it's only a week one, but
come back sort of give us a a you know,
near the things giving break, if any other news has
come around for the schools this part of the fall,
I always find this is the busiest time of year.
Kids are going back to school and everybody's back up
and hustling. I get to the city now at seven
in the morning and I see the city's back pre
pandemic levels. I even notice that too, but we're all
(23:01):
I can add them this September, and I want to
follow with you by by November or if any other
news breaks along the way here.
Speaker 3 (23:08):
I would love that.
Speaker 2 (23:09):
So also I want to just mention to your listeners
that I want to throw out there my email address,
because yes, please do quick email, so it's t L
A bb A t E at equal Firstaid dot com.
I also will throw out the phone numbers so that
you can just text me if that's easier, because sometimes
(23:31):
texting is just a little quicker. It's six three one
eight seven three zero nine zero seven.
Speaker 3 (23:38):
You can reach me.
Speaker 2 (23:39):
Just throw your name in there. I will respond personally
to you. And also, if anybody does want to order
a device, if you use code e F A ten,
you will get ten dollars off your purchase and shipping
is free, so that's kind of that's kind of huge
with the free shipping because sometimes that can you know,
that could cost a lot.
Speaker 1 (24:01):
Well, that is uh, that's important and I'm glad you've
put out your contact.
Speaker 3 (24:05):
Now.
Speaker 1 (24:06):
One last thing as we're talking here, I would love
to get one of those that's signed on to the
bill in Texas to maybe say hey, if Texas can
do it, here's why they did it, and have that
representative inspire other Saints. We maybe we can arrange that
to join us.
Speaker 2 (24:20):
Yeah, that would be that would be great. I'm happy
to you know, to work with you on this and
just to get their attention. And like I said, New York,
right now, we're just we're just at a stall. Everything
has to be reintroduced.
Speaker 3 (24:33):
And if any of your listeners look on S.
Speaker 2 (24:37):
One two six', nine that bill is just now going
to have to be. Reintroduced but we don't have an
assembly side, yet so we're going to need an assemblyman
to pick up on this bill. Again it passed in
twenty twenty, two we're going into twenty twenty six and.
Speaker 3 (24:53):
We got, nowhere so we need to really use our.
Speaker 1 (24:56):
Voices, Well i've had a couple of sembling people. On
maybe well we'll reach out to them and see if
they can join them in this. Fight that would be.
Amazing but for, now totally little. Body this was great,
introductory you, know, conversation AND i want to elaborate more
as time goes, on because again it's only the first
week at, school And i'm glad you're in. There you're
fighting already to make these schools. Safer and you know
(25:18):
you mentioned The heimlich maneuver and all That i've. Say
WHEN i was up TO SCARTI i noticed one of
the techniques was sort of pressing on the chest because
they couldn't get them out of the. Chair right, now
this could evolve that process to even better results than
pressing on the chest and trying to clear the airways
like they had seen them do time and time again
times up To scarty right.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
Or before you, know they, say you, know obviously we
don't want the person to lose too you, know too
much air and to have any kind of brain.
Speaker 3 (25:50):
Damage so this is just one or two.
Speaker 2 (25:51):
Pumps first of, all The Life, act if anybody looks it,
up it has a one wave, thalve so it looks
like a handheld. Plunger it will not push the object further.
Down it's not the plunger that we're used. To there's
a one way valve so the air does escape out
of the little vents of the sides once you push,
down so you will not lodge it. Further one or
(26:14):
two pumps up and it will clear the. Airway so
it's just a backup. Tool i'd love to see them
on the back of every wheelchair and in.
Speaker 3 (26:23):
Schools that's that's my.
Speaker 2 (26:24):
Goal so Once january comes, around we're heading For states, two,
three and, four.
Speaker 1 (26:31):
All, right and we'll be there with you. Here One
Leg Up alex adapting today With Tony labodi Of Equal First.
Aid give the website one more.
Speaker 2 (26:39):
Time the website is equal firstaid dot org and my
email is t L. A Bbat e at Equal firstaid dot.
COM i welcome anybody's, conversation any. Questions i'm here to.
Speaker 3 (26:56):
Help all.
Speaker 1 (26:57):
Right that was, Great, Tony and by the, way we
will be with you at your next you, know rally
in one of these. Capitals i'd love to be there
with you as you do.
Speaker 3 (27:06):
Those thank you so.
Speaker 1 (27:07):
Much all, right that's totally the body On One Leg
Up alex network. Today thanks, Again thank.
Speaker 3 (27:14):
You alex have a great. Day
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