The Definition of the Heimlich Maneuver

The Heimlich maneuver is now nearly internationally recognized as first aid for choking. This was not always the case. The technique is named after Dr. Henry Heimlich, who invented the technique in the 1970s. In his "Historical Essay: The Heimlich Maneuver," Heimlich wrote that until his technique was introduced, the only choking first aid method was backslaps, which didn't work and often endangered the person who was choking.

History

• In 1972, Heimlich recounts, he was reading an article in The New York Times that listed choking as one of the top 10 causes of accidental deaths in the United States -- more than 3,000 a year. He had worked most of his career on people's swallowing problems. In 1973, Heimlich began research at his Cincinnati laboratory into causes of choking. In June 1974, he introduced his maneuver in an article entitled "Pop Goes the Café Coronary."

Hazards of Choking

• Heimlich identified one small objects as of the greatest hazards of choking. Most adults choke on small pieces of food that obstruct the flow of air when they become lodged in the throat or windpipe. Children often choke on candy, toys or coins. Heimlich also discusses the danger of other popular first aid choking methods. "Backslaps, probing the pharynx with a finger, or turning the patient upside down" were ineffective and even dangerous, according to the doctor.

Performing the Maneuver

• Before performing the Heimlich maneuver, verify that the person is choking. Typically, choking is demonstrated by coughing and placing hands on neck. To begin the maneuver, also referred as abdominal thrusts, the Mayo Clinic's "Choking: First Aid" says to begin by standing behind the person and place arms around the person's waist. Then lean the person slightly forward and making a fist, place it above the navel. The final step is to grab the fist with the other hand, and thrust upward to dislodge the object from throat or windpipe.

Choking Victims

• Despite the Heimlich maneuver, choking remains a cause of accidental death. The Home Safety Council reports that obstructed airways cause more than 1,000 deaths a year in the United States. Obstructed airways are also the No. 1 cause of death for children younger than 1, according to the council, and this cause of death annually ranks in the top 10 for all ages.