Happy National Heimlich Maneuver Day! Each year on June 1, this day recognizes a life-saving technique.
The Heimlich Maneuver uses abdominal thrusts to force air from the lungs. The forced air expels an object on which someone is choking.
In 1974, American thoracic surgeon and medical researcher Dr. Henry J. Heimlich created this life-saving procedure. “The Heimlich Maneuver” is also referred to as “Abdominal Thrusts.”
The observance also kicks off National Safety Month, and the Heimlich Maneuver is just one of the many steps that you can take in June.
In 2015, according to the National Safety Council, over five thousand people died from choking.
Ironically, the following year, a statement from Dr. Heimlich’s family said that he had passed at The Christ Hospital on December 17, 2016.
This was after complications from a heart attack in his home in Hyde Park, Cincinnati, Ohio on December 12. Dr. Heimlich was 96.
The observance also kicks off National Safety Month, and the Heimlich Maneuver is just one of the many steps that you can take in June.
In 2015, according to the National Safety Council, over five thousand people died from choking.
Ironically, the following year, a statement from Dr. Heimlich’s family said that he had passed at The Christ Hospital on December 17, 2016.
This was after complications from a heart attack in his home in Hyde Park, Cincinnati, Ohio on December 12. Dr. Heimlich was 96.
Since certified instructors teach the Heimlich Procedure, the American Red Cross and other organizations include the training as part of their first aid and CPR courses.
Being trained to administer the Heimlich Maneuver properly may save a life. Courses also teach you how to identify possible choking, how to offer assistance and correct administration of the procedure.
There are also modified approaches for young children. Each person trained means the potential for a life saved.
While first responders, law enforcement, nurses, physicians, those in elder and child care, and those in high-risk jobs are required to receive training, anyone can receive training.
You just may make the difference in someone’s life dining next to you or even someone you know.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Register for a first aid class that teaches the Heimlich Maneuver. Already trained? Encourage someone you know to take a first aid class. You can also invite someone to join you or make it a family event.
The American Red Cross offers babysitting courses as young as eleven years old and lifeguard courses as young as fifteen years old.
Imagine having the entire family prepared to respond in the event of an injury or when someone you love begins choking. Perhaps they never have to use it.
Either way, isn’t it a skill worth celebrating?
Have you used the Heimlich Maneuver, or has it saved your life? Share your experiences using #HeimlichManeuverDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this life-saving event. In the meantime, they encourage you to check out these other safety observances in June:
#HeimlichManeuverDay
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@AHACPR
@NatlSafetyCouncil
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@nichecinema
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