Nurses demonstrating the use of an iron lung, Oxford Street, London
Nurses demonstrating the use of an iron lung to group of women, at an exhibition of nursing, Oxford Street, London. It was often used to treat patients with poliomyelitis (Polio). Polio is caused by the poliovirus, a highly contagious virus specific to humans. It may go on to invade the central nervous system, destroying or damaging the nerve cells that control muscles, resulting in varying degrees of weakness, then paralysis. The 'iron lung' was used to help polio patients whose breathing muscles had become affected. The machine worked by creating a space in the lungs that was automatically filled by air flowing in through the mouth and nose. Once the patient was enclosed in the machine, a perfect seal was created. When the air was pumped out of the casing, the reduction in pressure made the chest rise, filling the lungs. When the air was allowed back in, the lungs emptied.
