27th May 2011 The Handiwork Of Heimlich

I always find it very gratifying to stumble on something that I have never sought to find out the how or why, but found it by chance unexpectedly. Not until today did I find out the technic that could save someone from choking. Of course I have known the manoeuvre, but not the denomination 'Heimlich' technic or movement.

 

Henry Heimlich created it, honoured with his name, in 1974 (I didn't know about this date either). It's about a series of abdominal pressure to retract an object that's causing a person to choke with serious danger for his life. Such situation generally arises when food gets stuck in the throat, or when young children accidentally swallow an object which is lodged in the throat.

 

The technique, however, had received serious criticism, for causing severe bruises, including provoking fractures when it's done with too much force, which is usually difficult to judge or to be exact. The U.S. Red Cross recommended to first try retrieving the object by finger, and in case this fails, slap a few times on the upper part of the sufferer's back. Only as final resort the technique of 'Heimlich'.

 

Good to know. But worrying for me as I know for sure that I would not be able to do any of that - physically impossible, even emotionally - I would likely faint first!

 

Tags: technique, heimlich

Prev: 27th May 2011 - 19th Century Scenario In 21st Century Barcelona

27th May 2011-19th Century Scenario In 21st Century Barcelona

More than a few local citizens of Barcelona, and many tourists, would find it rather surprising to see some of the show windows of shops, 20 to be exact, of the most prestigious establishments in the commercial centre, presenting decor and displays with orientation of the end of the 19th century.

It's an initiative for which 20 of the most notable shops have got together taking part, (though many not yet completed the transformation), in the competition to celebrate the Fair of Modern Barcelona, between 3rd and 5th of June, the 7th edition. But the new 'old' displays would stay on till the 12th of June.

The shop windows of these 20 shops would all be transformed back to the era of 19th century, featuring life sized models of well known personalities and, naturally, dressed in styles of that period, also furnishings, backgrounds, paintings, tapestries, etc. One of them, with a simulated centenary edition of 'El Periodico', the local newspaper, patron of the innovative competition.

The first 3 best ideas would be given great prizes not yet announced; the rest (depending on more or less gratification)  will win 1 or 2 nights for 2 people in notable local Parador (the most prestigious hotel, above all star-system classification), a subscription of the paper for 3 months, and a luxury dinner for 2 in a notable local restaurant. The prizes are given on the closing dinner Gala party. The 3 day celebration will be repeated in Girona, with demonstrations of antique trade craft, vintage cars, and workshops.

Tags: competition, windowdressing

Prev: 26th May 2011 Finger Licking Fun