injured ribs

I was choking last night on a medicine (large tablet).  In trying to relieve the choking, by doing the heimlich manoeuvre, my ribs were injured.   Even though we have wrapped them with ace bandages, the left side is extremely painful.  I have not gone to an emergency room because I didn't think they could do anything more than wrap the ribs, but now I'm concerned that perhaps I need further help.
Should I go for emergency care?

[kittyluv1]

A fractured rib can be caused by a direct blow to the chest.  Heimlich usually involves the upper abdominal area, but increased pressure to the ribs could have occurred.
If you are having difficulty breathing and experiencing problems with respiratory efforts, you do need to obtain medical evaluation to be certain you have not sustained any injury to your lungs or other internal organs.
Taping or wrapping the ribs is not necessary and can prevent you from taking deep breaths.  It is important to take a large deep breath at least hourly to prevent any collapse of the lung tissue or development of infection such as pneumonia.
If you are having difficulty taking deep breaths it would be advisable to get prompt medical attention.
Otherwise, if you are breathing and can cough without problems, you can apply ice to the area of pain, take over the counter aspirin or ibuprofen and avoid strenuous activity.
It may be that you only bruised the ribcage and no fracture has occurred, but the same treatment would be appropriate.
If the pain becomes worse or is not controlled by the OTC meds, you can make an appt with your primary care physician for followup and avoid ER charges (should that be a consideration).