When the Heimlich maneuver is done correctly then it should not hurt you or the person you are doing the Heimlich maneuver on.
The Heimlich maneuver is another name for abdominal thrusts that is used to help bring up food or whatever it is the person is choking on.
If you don't do the Heimlich maneuver on the person then they could die from choking so it's better to try to stop them choking and hurt their ribs or break the persons ribs than it would be to just let them die.
The Heimlich maneuver is named after the DR who came up with the Heimlich maneuver as a way to stop someone from choking and if done right and quick enough the Heimlich maneuver does work.
Peter Heimlich is the founder of the Heimlich maneuver which is also known as abdominal thrusts.
Everyone should know how to do the Heimlich maneuver and especially if you have kids.