Preece Family Tree

1939-11-24 Lichfield Mercury page 3

MODERN RESUSCITATION DEVICES

Instructive Apparatus Demonstration

TO RUGELEY MEMBERS OF THE B.R.C

The lady members of the Rugeley Detachment of the British Red Cross had the pleasure and privilege of witnessing an interesting and instructive demonstration on Monday afternoon last, when, at the request of Mrs. Benbow (Lady Commandant), Mr. John Stokes, A.M.I.F.E., A.F., A.R.P.I., the well-known anti-gas and respiratory specialist, demonstrated several new types of inhalation and resuscitation apparatus, together with other interesting anti-gas equipment.

Great interest was shown in the latest combination type of resuscitation and inhalation apparatus known as the Pulmotor. This device has been considerably improved during the last few years, and has been responsible for the saving of many lives. To date, over 14,000 sets of Pulmotor apparatus are in use throughout the world.

Mr. Stokes touched on the great need for continuous and intense research in connection with respiratory matters, and deplored the apparent lack of good, healthy competition in this country in this connection. He also stressed the importance of greater sympathy being available towards new ideas and theories resulting from such research.

In connection with many acknowledged methods of applying artificial respiration, Mr. Stokes condemned counter-shock practices as manual punishment. Such practices most frequently terminated with serious results.

Mr. Stokes exploded the theory put forward by various interests that mechanical devices might cause complications, by a most convincing experiment showing the maximum tension of both inhalation and exhalation operation, and further demonstrated how the device adapted itself automatically to any size of lung. He also mentioned that the Pulmotor apparatus should not be used in connection with patients suffering as the result of war gas poisoning.

Attention was drawn to the need of greater control of the administration of CO2 as a stimulant to breathing in the case of the first-aid worker, and the importance of accurate diagnosis of the actual cause of the anoxemia.

Mr. Stokes pointed out the vast difference between treatment in connection with the more common asphyxiants and the conditions results from asphyxia produced by cyanide poisoning.

He also mentioned the advantage of using moistened oxygen in inhalation apparatus.

Towards the close of the afternoon Mr. Stokes demonstrated the difference between common dust respirators, gas masks and breathing apparatus, and concluded by extending a hearty invitation for the various ladies to attend at a later date a film show demonstrating the use of the apparatus under discussion in actual service in industry.