I believe if done correctly , the Heimlich maneuver does break a rib or two

Choking lesson 101: if you can still noise then you aren't choking. Sorry OP, I guess she wasn't aware of that. FYL.

I am a certified lifeguard and that women is flat out stupid. You do not give someone the Heimlich to someone who is coughing. When they stop coughing but it still choking that's when you give it to them. But if done right you may have broken ribs.

Im pretty sure you can press charges because you're supposed to ask permission first

Suuuuuuue

Actually ribs can be broken when doing the Heimlich maneuver properly.

What the **** is wrong with Americans and their evil need to sue everybody. This woman was only trying to help. It might have been ill advised but had you been choking, you would rather she did an improper Heimlich manouevre than stand by as you choke to death fumbling over permission and lack of training.

If you're performing it correctly, you're actually supposed to break a rib. It's what the combat medics teach us. Although, yeah if you're coughing she shouldn't have done anything in which case she was wrong regardless. Sucks OP :/

Yes, the Heimlich Maneuver usually breaks ribs when being done, and it's normal for that to happen; however, coughing indicates that the person is not choking, and that air can still go in and out. The lady should have just let him cough.

Sue her