During the height of the polio epidemic in the early to mid-20th century, before the development of an effective vaccine in the 1950s, one of the most successful yet intimidating treatments for those affected by the disease was the iron lung. In 1952, the United States witnessed a peak of 57,628 polio infections, making it one of the most feared diseases of that time.
The iron lung was a large, metal, coffin-like cabinet designed to assist patients who could not breathe independently as a result of chest muscle paralysis caused by polio. The device worked by creating a vacuum around the patient’s chest, which would cause their lungs to expand and fill with air. When the vacuum was released, the patient’s lungs would naturally contract, allowing them to exhale. This process enabled the iron lung to effectively “breathe” for the patient.
Although the iron lung was a life-saving treatment for many polio sufferers, it was also a daunting prospect. Patients would have to remain inside the cabinet for weeks, months, or in some cases, their entire lives. Despite the intimidating nature of the device, the iron lung played a crucial role in saving thousands of lives during the polio epidemic. With the introduction of the polio vaccine, the need for iron lungs has significantly diminished, but they remain an important reminder of the advances in medical technology and the challenges faced during that era.
The Iron Lungs bro with a -3 fat reduction famed weapon is a berzerker-neutral (he can berzerk every round without being exhausted as long as you don’t move).
My mom still has nightmares about being in one. Her polio required a lot of hospitalization.
These pictures make me wonder how people can truly oppose vaccinations
Privilege. They have never met anyone suffering from the effects of these diseases, so their only knowledge comes from the filters they set up in their lives. They don’t bother doing serious independent research themselves because they are surrounded by people who think like them, so most of the truth is filtered out. The generations before them had fucking vaccines, so they never had to deal with polio, smallpox, and most likely measles and whooping cough. They don’t give a flying fuck if they bring some of this stuff back (and won’t accept responsibility if they do).
Do they not know the truth or do they know and don’t care? Both seem to be true, but they are contradictory.
They don’t know the truth and don’t care enough to find out, despite knowing it exists. This is not contradictory at all.
Dare I ask whats going on inside there?
They cannot breathe because they are paralyzed. As the iron lung changes its internal air pressure rhythmically, the kid’s chest and lungs expand, taking in fresh air.
Thats a lot less grotesque than I’d anticipated.
How long would you have to be in one of those?
There were some people who were in them for the rest of their lives-nearly 60 years in one case (Dianne Odell).