"THE IRON LUNG"

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 61, 14 March 1939, Page 7

"THE IRON LUNG"

(To the Editor.) Sir,—'l wish to thank Mr. S. Grordon Anderson and another contributor, who so kindly replied, with.such interesting information,-to my letter on the above subject. From an American journal I take the. following extract, on the same subject:—"Emergency Ward, New York City: Orderlies lift-from the. ambulance a young girl .limp.as a.rag doll; ten minutes ago th¥y found at \ her bedside a gas stove, its jets streaming colourless death. Now, with impersonal solicitude, they deposit her iin the 'iron lung!' There is a surging hum, followed by the rhythmic hiss of rushing air as "the" marvellous apV paratus begins to simulate the mech--1 anics of respiration. Meanwhile, a [suction device ; removes fluid arid . mucus from the girl's throat;. oxygen I mixed with a trace of carbon dioxide stimulates her breathing. Presently the patient stirs; she's coming round.'* Other cases : treated "were seizures, smash-up victims,.- alcoholic carouses, motor, .aecjidents,- "attempted suicides, hanging," shpotiiig, asphyxiation, poison, etc.: ?I- 'feel sure • many ; besides myself are indebted to the above persons and "The Post" for the information elicited by.this>ineittiry.—■ I am, etc., " .......... . . C.E.B.