The importance of Heimlich maneuver training

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – From the senate chamber to right here at home, anyone can learn to do the Heimlich maneuver.

After Sen. Rand Paul saved a fellow senator’s life in the chamber by using the move, learning how to properly help someone when they are choking can prove to be critical.

We met with an expert and learned how important knowing how to preform the Heimlich is.

Gerita Cook, a WKU CPR training coordinator says, “What happens when a person choke, that airway is restricted, so knowing the Heimlich allows that airway to get back open and free so that we can save and maintain that life. Everyone needs to know this, and I take great pride in every person I train here at Western, especially my nursing students, because I know I’m training the next generation of health care professionals to be saving lives.”

If you are interested in learning the Heimlich maneuver, WKU offers courses where anyone can learn and save a life. For more details, visit wku.edu/scahec/cpr.php.