For the first time at 96 years old, anti-choking hero Dr. Henry Heimlich has executed the maneuver to save a choking woman.
The retired thoracic surgeon who lives in a Cincinnati retirement home is credited for pioneering the technique, but has never performed it until recently when a woman was choking while they were having dinner.
"That moment was very important to me. I knew about all the lives my maneuver has saved over the years and I have demonstrated it so many times but here, for the first time, was someone sitting right next to me who was about to die," said Heimlich.
First Time
Many were happy that the woman was sitting beside Heimlich when she choked, but there were some who questioned whether the incident was indeed the first time the retired surgeon performed the maneuver, considering his age.
In 2003, BBC ran a report where Heimlich was quoted to have performed the maneuver previously — in a diner in 2000. Heimlich denied recall of such incident. Philip Heimlich, the surgeon's son, also said that he cannot remember any incident where his father has performed the emergency technique.
Philip added that despite being 96 years old and living in an elderly home, his father is fit and able. Philip shared that his father still swims regularly every week and enjoys going to the ballet and the symphony.
"I hear he performed his maneuver with great agility," said Philip. "I have always been very proud of my dad and I believe he is the person who has saved more lives than anyone living."
The Maneuver
Before Heimlich introduced the use of the maneuver, the standard practice to save someone from choking to death had been by thumping the back of the person. Heimlich argued that the technique only worsens the obstruction by forcing the object into the gullet rather than dislodging it.
After working on several techniques and theories, Heimlich introduced the maneuver, which can be performed by almost everyone. The anti-choking technique is done by putting the arms with linked hands in a fist just above the navel and under the ribs of the victim's body and making upward abdominal pushes until the obstruction comes out.
Today, the Heimlich manuever is widely used in emergency situations globally and is being taught in schools and hospitals.
In 2014, Heimlich penned his memoir detailing the research and development and process of perfecting the Heimlich maneuver.
Photo: Resolute Support Media, Capt. John T. Stamm | Flickr
