ROB WOODALL

SEVENTH DISTRICT, GEORGIA

WASHINGTON, DC, OFFICE: TEL: 1202) 225-4272 FAX: (202) 225-4696

COMMITTEE ON RULES COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET

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S t e fnngtun, BC 20515-1007

DISTRICT OFFICE: TEL: (770) 232-3005 FAX: (770) 232-2909

ONLINE OFFICE:
HTTP://WOODALL.HOUSE.GOV

May 23, 2013

Mr. James Esquea Assistant Secretary for Legislation U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Hubert Humphrey Building, Room 416 G 200 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20201-0001

Dear Mr. Esquea: Peter Heimlich of Duluth, GA has contacted me concerning a problem with the US Surgeon General Regina Benjamin. I have attached the information which was provided by Mr. Heimlich. Any information you can provide which will be helpful in addressing my constituent's concerns will be greatly appreciated. Please direct your response to the attention of Chase Murray at 202-2265277. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely,

Rob Woodall Member of Congress RW:cm Enclosure

PLEASE DIRECT ALL POSTAL CORRESPONDENCE TO: 1725 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20515-1007 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

Subject: media inquiry From: Peter Heimlich <peter.heimlich@gmail.com> Date: 4/16/2013 9:23 AM To: Regina.Benjamin@hhs.gov CC: Dawn.Alley@hhs.gov, "Murray, Chase" <Chase.Murray@mail.house.gov> Regina M. Benjamin MD MBA United States Surgeon General 1101 Wooton Parkway Rockville MD 20852 Dear Surgeon General Benjamin: Per the e-mail thread copied below my signature, for an item I'm reporting on my blog, since February 26 I've made repeated attempts via e-mails and phone messages to obtain an answer to a straightforward policy question from various members of your staff. I have yet to receive a reply from anyone, therefore, I'd greatly appreciate your attention and assistance in helping me to obtain an answer to my question. On September 30, 1985, former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop issued a Public Health Report with your agency's recommendations for treating choking victims. Here's a copy: http://bit.ly/OZGIoJ Here's the gist of the Report: Surgeon General C. Everett Koop today endorsed the Heimlich manuever [sic], not as the preferred, but as the only method that should be used for the treatment of choking from foreign body airway obstruction. Dr. Koop also urged the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association to teach only the Heimlich Manuever [sic] in their first aid classes. Dr. Koop urged both organizations to withdraw from circulation manuals, posters and other materials that recommend treating choking victims with back slaps and blows to the chest. ..."Millions of Americans have been taught to treat persons who are choking with back blows, chest thrusts and abdominal thrusts," Dr. Koop said. "Now, they must be advised . . . and I ask for the participation of the Red Cross, the American Heart Association and public health authorities everywhere...that these methods are hazardous, even lethal." A back slap, the surgeon general said, can drive a foreign object even deeper into the throat. Chest and abdominal thrusts, because they refer to blows to unspecified locations on the body, have resulted in cracked ribs and damaged spleens and livers, among other injuries. "The best rescue technique in any choking situation," Dr. Koop said, "is the Heimlich Manuever. [sic]" Here's the question for which I've been trying to obtain an answer. Is this your agency's current recommendation for treating choking victims? If not, would you please explain your agency's current recommendation? Thank you for your time and consideration. I'd greatly appreciate confirmation that you received this e-mail and some indication of approximately when I may expect to receive an answer to my question. Sincerely, Peter M. Heimlich 3630 River Hollow Run Duluth, GA 30096 ph: (208)474-7283 website: Medfraud blog: The Sidebar cc: Dawn Alley PhD, Senior Policy Adviser, Office of the US Surgeon General The Hon. Rob Woodall (GA-7th District) % Chase Murray