Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #117312

Nadine R. Levick, MD, MPH, Laura Robinson, MD, and Antonios Likourezos, MA, MPH. Department of Emergency Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, 4802 Tenth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219, 718-283-6052, nlevick@attglobal.net

The purpose was to identify the potential complications and possible at risk population for complications of the Heimlich Maneuver (HM). A literature review from 1975 to 2004 was performed via online search engines for the term “Heimlich maneuver”. All English language references were reviewed. Only papers referring to airway foreign body applications of HM were included in this review. The search identified 108 references. Included were descriptions of the HM technique and validating laboratory experiments, complications resulting from the application of the HM, and controversies surrounding the indications for the HM. Complications reported included: pneumomediastinum, gastric rupture, esophageal perforation, internal carotid artery dissection, retinal detachment, abdominal aortic mishaps, liver and splenic injuries, ruptured diaphragm, rib fractures, aortic and mitral valve injury and one valve injury to the operator. Complications reported in elderly males were frequently fatal or required surgery and ICU admission. Although the Heimlich Maneuver is understood to be a simple to perform and a life saving procedure, there appears to be a predictable pattern of potential complications from this maneuver – and an apparent‘at risk' population with prosthetic heart valves and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and also elderly males. These complications and risk factors should be included as part of the education process for this maneuver. Also the usual practice of not seeking hospital care after a ‘successful' Heimlich maneuver should be reconsidered particularly for this at risk population. A population based study of this maneuver and its sequelae should be conducted to identify incidence and prevalence of complications.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to

• List seven complications of the Heimlich Maneuver.
• Describe the at risk population for HM complications.
• Apply this understanding to training programs in basic life support skills.

Keywords: Education, Risk Factors

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.