Life
1906-1997 (91 years old)
Country
United States
Year of great discovery/work
1931
Emerson built biomedical and research apparatuses that helped advance medical diagnostic testing. One of his most famous inventions was the Emerson respirator, more commonly known as the iron lung. Emerson’s improvements to the iron lung ensured that more polio patients would be given the opportunity to survive their polio infection. His other inventions included elements of SCUBA gear, resuscitators, and postoperative suction pumps.
Did you know?
The first example of Emerson’s improved iron lung, nicknamed “Old Number One” is on display at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.
The first example of Emerson’s improved iron lung, nicknamed “Old Number One” is on display at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.