Utah lawmakers honor Dr. Henry J. Heimlich with concurrent resolution

The Utah Legislature adopted HCR 10, a concurrent resolution honoring Dr. Henry J. Heimlich for his work developing simplified lifesaving techniques and devices. Senator Reese invited Dr. Heimlich and Dr. Harry Gibbons to the chamber, moved under suspension of the rules to place the resolution on second reading, and the Senate approved final passage by roll call (reported as 26 ayes, 3 absent).

The resolution recounts Heimlich’s medical background and inventions, including the Heimlich maneuver and the Heimlich microtrake, and credits those inventions with saving tens of thousands of lives. In remarks on the floor, Dr. Heimlich thanked the Legislature, noting a long relationship with the state and local medical community: "I just want to say that it is an extension of an already very firm and long term relationship with the state of Utah," he said.

Senators noted local benefits: the microtrach is manufactured in Utah, and the state’s high-school training program in the Heimlich maneuver has recognized students who used the technique in emergencies. One senator reported the state program has aided lives saved; another said the maneuver had saved his son.

Result and procedure: The Senate read the resolution and voted for final passage; the clerk reported 26 ayes and 3 absences. The resolution will be signed in open session and a copy presented to Dr. Heimlich.

Closing note: The session included a motion to dissolve the committee of the whole and formal presentation; Senators applauded Dr. Heimlich’s contributions to emergency medicine and public training efforts.