A device for removing a mass lodged in a choking victim's throat comprises a manifold, piston, spool, and latch. The manifold has first, second, and third conduits in selective fluid communication with each other, with the second conduit terminating in an orifice in a mouthpiece. The spool, having a transverse orifice, may be disposed in the third conduit, slidable between a first position where the orifice permits fluid communication between the first and second conduits, and a second position where the spool blocks fluid communication. The piston is slidably disposed within the first conduit, and with the spool is in the second position, the latch is usable to secure the piston relative to the manifold at one or more discrete positions to create a measured amount of vacuum pressure in the first conduit. The vacuum pressure is transmitted to the mouthpiece by movement of the spool to said first position.