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Review
. 2024 Sep 22;16(9):e69964.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.69964. eCollection 2024 Sep.

John Haven Emerson (1906-1997): The Ultimate Pioneer of the "Iron Lung"

Tao An Chen  1 , Wen Chung Hung  2
Affiliations
Review

John Haven Emerson (1906-1997): The Ultimate Pioneer of the "Iron Lung"

Tao An Chen et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

John Haven "Jack" Emerson (1906-1997) was an American inventor who made significant contributions to the field of respiratory therapy. He is best known for his improvements to the iron lung, resulting in Emerson's iron lung, which became a vital treatment for polio patients during the epidemics of the 1950s, saving countless lives. Over his career, Emerson held 35 patents and developed numerous innovative devices. He also contributed to the design of flow valves for the U.S. Army, diving equipment, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy tanks. Emerson's forward-thinking approach led him to be among the first to recognize high-frequency ventilation as an effective technique. Despite not completing high school, his ingenuity earned him recognition from the American Thoracic Society, where he became the first non-physician to receive such an honor.

Keywords: historical vignette; iron lung; mechanical ventilator; polio; respiratory care.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. John Haven Emerson and Emerson’s iron lung.
Image Credit: Permission obtained from Keystone Hulton Archive Getty Images [12].
Figure 2
Figure 2. : John Haven “Jack” Emerson in his later years.
Image Credit: Permission obtained from Litfl [13].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Some reflections on iron lungs and other inventions. Emerson JH. https://litfl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Emerson-on-the-Iron-Lung-19... Respir Care. 1998;43:573–582.
    1. Mr. Jack Emerson—A matter of life and breath. Banner MJ, Kirby RR. Chest. 1997;112:307–308. - PubMed
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    1. Negative or positive? The iron lung and poliomyelitis—Zurich, 1951. Eichel T, Dreux ML. Anaesth Intensive Care. 2017;45:13–20. - PubMed

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