Fraud by Heimlich Alleged Maneuver for Drowning
 

The following was posted on the USLA bulletin board, 9-8-03:

Information has been published on a website alleging fraud on the part
of Dr. Henry Heimlich with respect to his promotion of the Heimlich
maneuver for drowning. The website can be found at:

http://medfraud.fateback.com/IOM-AHA...ter_Intro.html

Part of the site involves detailed allegations with respect to Ellis
and Associates' decision to train its lifeguards in use of the
Heimlich maneuver for drowning and to subsequently terminate that
training:

http://medfraud.fateback.com/IOM-AHA-ARC_Ellis.html

According to information provided to USLA, the complaint "has been
addressed to the presidents of these national organizations which
appear to have been defrauded:

- The National Academy of Sciences
- The Institute of Medicine
- The American Heart Association
- The American Red Cross

Neither USLA nor the International Life Saving Federation recommend
use of the Heimlich maneuver for drowning resusciation, except in
special and very limited circumstances. Please see Open Water
Lifesaving -- The United States Lifesaving Manual for further details.