On this episode of Our American Stories, before the polio vaccine transformed public health, poliomyelitis was one of the most feared diseases in America. Severe cases could leave patients paralyzed and unable to breathe, forcing doctors to rely on a strange new technology: the iron lung.

These massive metal chambers lined hospital wards during major polio outbreaks, rhythmically expanding and contracting to help patients breathe. Daryn Glassbrook of the Mobile Medical Museum shares the story of the iron lung, the medical innovation that helped people survive one of the twentieth century’s most frightening epidemics.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, before the polio vaccine transformed public health, poliomyelitis was one of the most feared diseases in America. Severe cases could leave patients paralyzed and unable to breathe, forcing doctors to rely on a strange new technology: the iron lung. These massive metal chambers lined hospital wards during major polio outbreaks, rhythmically expanding and contracting to help patients breathe. Daryn Glassbrook of the Mobile Medical Museum shares the story of the iron lung, the medical innovation that helped people survive one of the twentieth century&rsquo;s most frightening epidemics.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Trapped in an Iron Lung During the Polio Epidemic

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/91d0cb72-b5fe-430f-ad24-b40b014ebe91/transcript