Heimlich first reported on the details of his technique in 1974. Originally called the ‘Abdominal Thrust Maneuver,' the technique allowed someone to apply pressure to a choking victim's diaphragm. This pressure then forced air against the object, dislodging it from the throat. The action is similar to how the pressure of a fizzy drink forces the cap or cork from a bottle. Soon after his data was released, Heimlich started receiving reports about how it was already saving lives. The Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) was so impressed with the technique they re-named it the Heimlich Maneuver.

It wasn't until 2000, at 80 years of age, that Heimlich actually had the opportunity to perform his technique on an actual choking victim. He describes hearing a ruckus in a restaurant, "I turned around to see a stranger choking. I did the Heimlich Maneuver, and got it out and then went on and had my lunch."

In addition to being a lifesaving researcher, Heimlich has many personal celebrity connections. Several stars have been saved by his maneuver, including Elizabeth Taylor, Ronald Reagan and Cher. In addition, his wife Jane is the daughter of dancer Arthur Murray and his nephew is Anson Williams, of Happy Days.

Heimlich has said researching the mechanism of the technique was the easy part - the hardest part was making the technique so simple that anyone could use it. "Life is in your hands," he said.

While the Heimlich Maneuver is widely accepted and has saved many lives, Henry Heimlich and the co-discoverer of the method, Edward Patrick, wallow in controversy. It appears that having tasted success and wide public acclaim with the Heimlich Maneuver, each wanted continued acclaim--possibly at the cost of sound scientific method. It is this accusation, that they promoted other lifesaving techniques that do not work, that has most damaged the pair's reputations.

Click on the image to the left to read an overview of the controversies. Is there a dark side to Henry Heimlich? Is Edward Patrick really who he claims to be? We encourage you investigate this fascinating tale of accusation and denial--then decide for yourself. You can cast your vote on the overview page to help us decide if these men are saints or scoundrels.

Table of Contents

Key Insight

Key Experiments or Research

Quotes by the Scientist

Quotes About the Scientist

Anecdotes

Fun Trivia About the Science

Personal Information

Key Contributing Scientists to the Discovery

Scientific Discovery Timeline

Recommended Books About the Science

Books by the Scientist

Books About the Scientist

Awards

Major Academic Papers Written by the Scientist

Curriculum Vitae

Sources/References