Heimlich, Jewish doctor who devised maneuver to save choking victims, dies
In just the US, the maneuver is thought to have saved more than 100,000 lives.
By REUTERS, JPOST.COM STAFFDr. Henry Heimlich (L), the 96-year-old Cincinnati surgeon credited with inventing the life-saving technique named for him, poses with Patty Ris, 87.(photo credit: REUTERS)
Henry Heimlich, the American doctor who devised a maneuver used to save countless chocking victims since the 1970's, has died at the age of 96, media reported on Saturday, citing a statement from his family.Heimlich, who the technique he developed was named for, died from complications from a heart attack he suffered on Monday, according to the reports, which Reuters could not immediately confirm.At the time Heimlich created the life-saving technique he was serving as the director of surgery at Cincinnati's Jewish Hospital, according to BBC.In just the US, the maneuver is thought to have saved more than 100,000 lives.The family released a statement saying, "From the time Dad began his medical career in New York City, to the time he practiced as a thoracic surgeon in Cincinnati, he was committed to coming up with simple, effective ideas that helped save lives and significantly improved people's quality of life."