More about the Heimlich Maneuver

After the incident with my daughter the other day, I decided to check out if there was an official Heimlich maneuver website, and there is. I sent an e-mail, expressing my thanks etc. and today I got one back from Henry Heimlich himself!

He wanted me to spread the word that the Heimlich Maneuver is not just for choking. It is also life-saving for drowning victims, and can get the water out of the lungs quickely. CPR is much much less effective, for one cannot force air into water logged lungs. The Heimlich maneuver is also effective in the case of a severe asthma attack, to force air out of the lungs and get the mucus out of the way. Thousands of kids could be saved each year with this simple procedure.

If you don't know how to perform it, go check out the website. It's quick and easy and may just save someone's life.

Comments

I hope your daughter - and you- are now fully recovered from the experience !

The info about the extended uses of the Heimlich manoeuvre is very useful and will be filed for reference. Thanks for posting it !
Susan said…
I "saved" my mom many years ago. She was eating a piece of lamb souvlaki. It was a harrowing experience, but very worthwhile!
Alana said…
I really don't mean to be tooting my own horn about this...it all happened and was over so quickly. I just thought I owed Dr. Heimlich the blog post. Trying to share some good info that not everyone knows, I guess.
Anonymous said…
Super information! And how cool, an email from The Man Himself!
Mimi said…
I didn't know that information, thank you.
bigskyguy said…
Be careful here. The Heimlich Maneuver is NOT recommended for asthma or cystic fibrosis or other long-term afflictions. It is also not safe for drowning victims, as it can cause them to aspirate stomach contents, which can cause lung infections and even death.