One of the most ardent promoters of the use of the Heimlich maneuver for near-drowning rescue is Columbia (MO) Daily Tribune writer Sue Gerard who writes a homespun column called "Granny's Notes." Between 1997-2005, the Tribune published numerous columns and letters to the editor by Gerard.
Begininng in 2005, Tribune editors were repeatedly informed of the medical issues and dangers associated with the Heimlich maneuver for drowning. Given that the Tribune had been repeatedly promoting its use for a decade, editors were asked to publish a clarification describing the dangers of the treatment.
The paper has refused to publicly address the issue or to correct the record.
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