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Dr. Henry's Emergency Lessons for People

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dr. Henry's Emergency Lessons for People (a.k.a. H.E.L.P.! — Dr. Henry's Emergency Lessons for People)[1] is a series of animated television shorts[2] that served as public service announcements, aimed at children. Created and produced by writer and lyricist Lynn Ahrens and named for and inspired by the work of contributor Dr. Henry Heimlich,[3][4] who was listed as medical consultant.[5] Fhese one-minute shorts debuted during the 1979–1980 television season and broadcast throughout the early 1980s in the US on ABC during commercial breaks on Saturday mornings[6] when youngsters were tuned in to Saturday morning cartoons and similar children's programming.[7] H.E.L.P.! won an Emmy Award[8] in 1980.[1][3][4]

Each short presents a central character experiencing an injury (often minor, but not always), then Dr. Henry would demonstrate and explain the proper way to initially handle care for it. First aid was demonstrated for practical purposes.[1][2] Each short presents a central character experiencing a minor injury and the proper way to initially handle care for it. Examples are small cut[5] or a burn (such as by scalding), including second and third degree burns.[9]

The shorts feature exaggerated cartoon style similar to most Saturday morning cartoon entertainment. This was designed by Rowland Wilson and provided by Phil Kimmelman and Associates.[5] The production company for H.E.L.P. was Dahlia Productions.[9] Eight shorts were created.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Perlmutter, David (2018). "H.E.L.P.! (1979–1980)". The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 274. ISBN 9781538103746 – via Google Books.
  2. ^ a b "Series offers children first aid lessons". Kenosha News. January 5, 1980. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  3. ^ a b Chawkins, Steve (December 17, 2016). "Henry Heimlich, doctor who invented lifesaving anti-choking procedure, dies at 96". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  4. ^ a b Carlson, Michael (December 20, 2016). "Henry Heimlich obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c Ahrens, Lynn (1979). 70's Ads: ABC's Dr. Henry's Emergency Lessons For People 'Small Cuts'. ABC. Retrieved July 9, 2019 – via YouTube.
  6. ^ Heimlich, Henry J. (June 14, 1980). Written at Los Angeles. "PANIC!: 'Save yourself' from rushing to the Doc's". The Spokesman-Review (Interview). Spokane, Washington: Los Angeles Times. p. 14. Retrieved May 24, 2022 – via Google Books.
  7. ^ "Doctor says people can learn to recognize early symptoms". Deseret News. February 12, 1981. p. 10D. Retrieved May 24, 2022 – via Google Books.
  8. ^ "Biography for Lynn Ahrens". TCM.com. Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  9. ^ a b Ahrens, Lynn (1979). 70's Ads: ABC's Dr. Henry's Emergency Lessons For People 'Burn Treatment'. ABC. Retrieved July 9, 2019 – via YouTube.
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