Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – Virtual Museum (2024)

An overview of CPR and auxiliary equipment used in resuscitation is featured.

Overview

This gallery features an overview of basic CPR and basic equipment used during resuscitation.

Precordial Thump

The precordial thump was first reported in medical journals in 1920 and has been used in the treatment of ventricular tachycardia and monitored ventricular fib. It has fallen in and out of favor over the decades. It is often used for dramatic effect in medical shows on TV and movies.

1956 Mouth-to-Mouth

Dr. Peter Safar and Dr. James Elam are credited with the invention of the mouth-to- mouth resuscitation technique.
Dr. Safar is considered to be the "father of Modern Resuscitation."

Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitator

In August 1958, Robert Berman filed a patent application for his "Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitator". The patent was awarded on March 12, 1963.

CPR Developed

The modern cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) technique was developed in 1960.

1970 CPR

This 1970 ad for A.H. Robins stressed the importance of CPR training for future physicians and health care providers.

1970s CPR Pin

A 1970s era pin available to recognize an individual certified in CPR is shown.

Revised Ratios

If you've been in respiratory care for any length of time, you've experienced a number of revisions to the recommended ratios for compressions to breaths delivered during CPR or compressions only recommendations.

AHA Guidelines

The American Heart Association publishes and updates their guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care.

Image downloaded from AHA website: www.heart.org

1970s Reusci-Anne

"Annie, Annie, are you OK?" Those words began every CPR training session....

The Reusci-Anne manikin was primarily used for CPR instruction but often was a participant in pranks pulled by the staff and students.

1970s Resusci-Anne's Case

Resusci-Annie folded up like a contortionist for transport and storage.

Resusci-Anne Training Gauges

Resusci-Anne's aneroid gauges visually indicated when proper tidal volumes and compressions were delivered.

Pediatric CPR Practice

An infant resuscitation manikin is shown.

Resuscitation Equipment

Basic resuscitation equipment is shown.

Emergency Tackle Box

Supplies for emergency intubation were often transported to emergency codes by the inhalation therapy staff in a tackle box. The contents were restocked after each use and the box relocked and checked on daily rounds.

Mouth Opener

This device was inserted between the clenched upper and lower teeth, when possible, and rotated to open a clenched mouth.

Image from Colleen Schabacker

Oropharyngeal Airways

A variety of sizes of oropharyngeal airways are shown in this emergency kit.

For more images of oropharyngeal airways and related equipment, visit the Artificial Airways gallery.

Image from Gayle Carr

AMBU Bag

The AMBU bag was developed in 1956.
For more images of bag-valve-mask resuscitators, visit the Resuscitators gallery.

Image from Felix Khusid

Endotracheal Tubes

Respiratory therapists and other highly skilled health care professionals may be required to intubate during emergency codes. A few ET tubes are shown.

Image from Illinois Central College Archives, 1999

Stylet

A stylet may be inserted into an endotracheal tube to provide stability to the tube during intubation.

Image from Illinois Central College Archives, 1999

Laryngoscope

For more images of emergency airway equipment, visit the Artificial Airways gallery.

Emergency Intubation

This respiratory therapist is shown positioning the endotracheal tube following endotracheal intubation.

Colorimetric CO2 Indicator

During emergency intubation, confirmation of tube placement in the trachea rather than the esophagus is achieved using a CO2 indicator.

Image from Gayle Carr

Laryngeal Mask Airway

The Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) was developed by Dr. Archi Brain and has been in use since 1988. The supraglottic airway can be used for emergency airway management.

Image from Illinois Central College Archives, 1999