Show this page to anyone helping in an emergency.
I breathe through my neck
- I have had a laryngectomy. My voice box has been removed.
- I breathe only through the opening in my neck, called a stoma. My nose and mouth are not connected to my lungs.
- Give oxygen and rescue breathing to my stoma. Oxygen given through the nose or mouth will not reach my lungs.
- I may not be able to speak. I may communicate by writing, gestures or a device.
Get a neck breather bracelet
A soft red silicone bracelet printed with ALERT: NECK BREATHER tells anyone helping you, at a glance, that you breathe through your neck and that air and oxygen must go to your stoma.
Wear it every day, alongside your emergency card.
Would you like one? You can request a bracelet at contact@neckbreather.org.
For people who breathe through the neck
Prepare before you need help:
- Wear a medical alert or neck breather bracelet.
- Carry an emergency card in your wallet, and keep another by your bed.
- Put a neck breather sticker on your car or front window.
- Fill in the medical ID on your phone with your condition and an emergency contact.
- Tell your local ambulance and fire services that you breathe through your neck.
Read more on preparing before surgery.