Dr Henry Heimlich uses Heimlich manoeuvre for first time, aged 96

[nilram]

18. Agree that his views are incidental to discussion of the event or his technique.

I don't have access to the article that questions the maneuver's effectiveness. Originally, they did testing of the maneuver on animals.

Especially the way you describe it, I agree that the technique makes total sense. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, the Red Cross now recommends "five sharp back blows with the heel of the hand, followed by five abdominal thrusts." (http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-choking/basics/ART-20056637)

On edit: Here's a couple of articles on the Red Cross revising it's recommendations to de-emphasize the Heimlich Maneuver. They both have to mention the issues with his son, but, reportedly, the Red Cross studies the health effects in question when making its recommendations.

http://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/red-cross-revises-tips-for-helping-choking-victims/Content?oid=2130835
http://www.nysun.com/new-york/maneuvering-over-heimlich/48992/