London Ambulance Service warns of fake videos endorsing recalled counterfeit anti-choking devices

London Ambulance Service (LAS) issued a statement on 5 January 2026 alerting the public to social media videos and images in circulation that falsely imply its endorsement of counterfeit anti-choking devices subject to a UK Government product recall¹. The statement page records that it was updated on 10 August 2026¹.

LAS said footage and images belonging to the service had been altered and used in the videos without consent, describing this as a copyright breach, and said it had requested that the videos are removed¹. The service stated that it does not endorse any individual anti-choking device and that it fully supports the Resuscitation Council UK statement on the issue¹.

The statement does not name the devices, the platforms carrying the videos, or how many videos are involved; these details have not been reported in it¹. It also does not set out the terms of the Government recall itself, referring readers to the recall notice instead¹.

Why it matters for households

The warning concerns material that households may encounter on social media, where footage and images carrying the LAS name are being used to suggest the service backs counterfeit anti-choking devices that are subject to a Government recall¹. LAS states plainly that it does not endorse any individual anti-choking device¹. The service directs people to NHS UK guidance on first aid and states that in a life-threatening emergency, always call 999¹. It also points to Citizens Advice for guidance on how to report fake or counterfeit goods¹. General guidance on checking information during an emergency is set out in the guide on how to avoid false information in an emergency, part of the staying-informed hub.

What happens next

LAS said it has requested that the videos are removed¹. No further steps, timescale or outcome has been reported¹. The statement page carries an update dated 10 August 2026, but the text does not describe what changed¹.