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The Iron Lung

The iron lung was once a symbol of a dreaded disease known as polio. Every summer until the mid-1950s, health personnel feared an outbreak which would wreck havoc on defenseless infants and children.

Iron lungs are full-body respirators that provide a mechanical means of breathing. In these machines an excess pressure alternates with a reduced pressure. When the pressure surrounding the patient's body is reduced, the chest expands so that air streams into the lungs. Then when the pressure is increased, the air is automatically expelled. Iron lungs were only intended to provide temporary relief until the patient recovered.

The iron lung at Luckey Hospital Museum is fully functional.

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