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.
I’m pretty sure the iron lung makers union is behind the anti-vaccine movement.
Why is he using 1950’s technology when they developed a much smaller version of the iron lung many years ago?
There is a possibility that he is mostly paralyzed and would be bed-ridden anyways, so he might as well save himself some hassle and stay in what he knows.
Our bodies are compact, yet once something goes wrong, you need big machinery to stabilize and keep you alive.
If I had to live in an iron lung for the rest of my life, I would have requested a mercy death within the first year