Dominique-Jean Larrey: the effects of therapeutic hypothermia and the first ambulance

Abstract

The fields of emergency medicine and resuscitation are indebted to the Baron Dominique-Jean Larrey (1766-1842) for significant advances in patient care. Larrey was a great surgeon who served in the French army during Napoleon's rule. He developed one of the first ambulance services, utilized positive pressure ventilation, and introduced hypothermia as a form of therapy. He dedicated his professional life to improving the care of wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Larrey coined the term "Triage" to allocate resources to those most in need of emergent care. Today, many of his techniques still prevail in modern medicine.