World of the Bizarre

Dr Heimlich performs the Heimlich manoeuver

By T.K. Randall
May 28, 2016 ·  11 comments

Heimlich's technique has saved countless lives. Image Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0 TenarAiuola One of the most simple and effective first-aid techniques ever invented, the Heimlich manoeuver involves performing abdominal thrusts on a choke victim to dislodge the obstruction.

Despite having demonstrated the method numerous times throughout his life, the man himself, Dr Henry Heimlich, had never actually used it to save someone's life... that is until now.

The 96-year-old had been having dinner at the Deupree House retirement home in Cincinnati when he realized that a woman sitting at the table appeared to be having trouble breathing."She had a skin colour that was no longer pink," he said. "Her mouth was puffed up and her lips were out.Though I invented the Heimlich manoeuvre I had never been called on to do it before."

Without a moment's pause, Heimlich stood up and used his trademark technique. "I did it three times and a piece of meat with a bone in it came flying out of her mouth," he said.

Thanks to his efforts the woman went on to make a full recovery.

"Just the fact that a 96-year-old man could perform that, is impressive," said his son, Phil Heimlich.


Source: BBC News | Comments (11)

Tags: Heimlich