This was interesting. It reminds me of the fracture tables we currently use to reduce fractures before we fixate the bone. Though crude, it has an incredible likeness.
This is a great site! I just happened to come across it while doing some research on electroconvulsive therapy. After reading 'The State Boys Rebellion', it made me more aware of institutions like this one. It is easy to blow through your life and miss so much. I never gave it any thought. Now I am captivated.
I think it is a casting table for a body cast. Peole with severe scoliosis condition may have dysfuctional lungs that requires assistance so the equipment in this room and the iron lung does go hand in hand.
Henry, I can't even begin to imagine having to have gone through what you have. Being that I am both claustrophobic and have a huge phobia when it comes to being restrained or immobalized, I don't think I would have been able to mentally handle being in one of the lungs, even if it was necessary to keep me alive. I would have gone insane. I had panic attacks after undergoing surgery years back because as I was coming out of the anestisia I could not move from the waist down and could not handle it, even knowing it was simply a temporary immobility. They had to sedate me just to keep me calm while the paralysis from the drugs wore off. Knowing what you have been through, I can tell you truthfully you are a much stronger and braver person then I could have ever been in the same situation
Martha L I would like to see that please. I've been usuing a port alung for a while now. These were pretty cool when I lived here. garfieldhen34@hotmail.com
Martha L....what company did you purchase an iron lung from-I didn't even think they were manufactured anymore...also 800 pounds, how does one manage to get such equipment into a home, up steps, etc.
Martha L OK~ With your memory you have literally brought this photograph to life for me. This is what is so wonderful about this site when people are connected to these photographs personally and post their memories.
Thank you so much for sharing that!
When there was an electrical storm the hospital would have all of us iron lung patients moved into a huge room where nurses sat, one per iron lung, and waited until the power went off. The room was bathed in a yellowish light. The hospital generator would not power the iron lungs, but just some lights.
The nurses would run to the foot of the iron lungs and disengage the bellows linkage and start pumping the bellows by hand.
But the time between when the power went off until she started pumping (abt. 45 seconds) was like a lifetime for us. The room filled with the sound of many clicking tongues because that is the only noise you can make when you can't breathe to talk.
Sounded like a room full of chickens!! lol
You could feel your heart beating but until she started breathing you, there was about 30 seconds to 45 seconds of sheer terror.
Then the nurse would start pumping and in would rush that wonderful breath you needed.
Hey people! We really are out here you know. I had Polio at age 5 in 1953 and was paralyzed all over at first. I relearned walking and use of my right arm and hand. I have slept in the iron lung almost 54 years now. My grandad made equipment so I can get into and out of it by myself.
In 2000 I had to buy a new one (($9000) and now it looks like I coulda had one free..isn't that life!
The negative pressure ventilation is the reason I'm alive. It is natural like real breathing, and does not force air into your lungs through hoses that can cause lung infections.
I have a pic of me in my lung from '53 if anyone if anyone wants a copy.
Mars