From: Jim Costello [mailto: info@ppsg.ie]
Sent: Sunday, February 01, 2004 6:22 AM
Subject: Re: Iron Lung

Hi Mary Claire,

Greetings from the Emerald Isle.  I actually have not yet seen a copy of the article you refer to.  Our office downtown has received a copy, but I have not got mine yet.

Anyway, to get to your query -- how do I get service for my Iron Lung in Ireland?  This simple answer is, I don't -- not professionally anyway. 

Just to give you a little bit of history first (I can't remember what is in the article, as I wrote it early last year).  Then I'll make some suggestions. 
I have used an Iron Lung for over 45 years.  For the first 30 or so, I used a 'Both' Iron Lung, which was an oblong wooden box (similar to a coffin).  For the last 15 years or so, I have used an 'Alligator' Iron Lung (made from aluminium, wood and steel, with a curved top).  I have used these Lungs only in hospital. -- Originally when I contracted polio, and after that when I required hospital care, otherwise for the first 30 years or so, I used the 'Cuirass' ventilator when at home or travelling.  For over ten years now, I have lived 3/4 days in hospital and 3/4 days at home.  I use three different ventilators now, the Alligator Iron Lung, a 'Nippy 1' intermittent positive pressure ventilator (British), and a 'Breas 403' intermittent positive pressure ventilator (Swedish).  They all have their different uses, but at the end of the day -- the Iron Lung is the most natural and best form of ventilation -- I think that this is fairly well-recognised, particularly by the older generation of medics.

I keep the Nippy 1 at home.  As I travel around town a fair bit concerning my voluntary work, the Breas comes with me, as it is equipped with an internal battery (lasts 2/4 hours).  When I am in the hospital, I have the choice of either using the Iron Lung or the Breas.  I use both the Nippy and the Breas through a nasal pillows fitting.  I tried a mask, but found them very claustrophobic.  I do not usually need a ventilator during the day when standing or sitting, but if I want to lie down I have to use the ventilator.  Also obviously all night.

Regarding servicing the Iron Lung -- originally the hospital had an engineer on site who used to look after the ventilators (about 5 long-term polio survivors).  For many years now we have no engineer on site as the hospital has been downgraded from a fever unit to a long-term care unit.  Also the four other polio survivors have passed away.  When I realised that my original Both was beginning to fall to pieces, luckily I found an old Alligator, in very bad condition, in a shed in the hospital grounds and got permission to take it home and rebuild it, it took a year and a half (with the help of my nephews).  I am fortunate that I have good contacts in a large hospital in London, England, who assisted me regarding some parts I required.  Luckily again, I have been attending this hospital also when I have required specialist care. As there are very few respiratory polios living in Ireland there is no unit in Ireland with this specialist knowledge.

My Alligator is presently serviced by a 'handyman' in the hospital, -- under my supervision.  My other ventilators are serviced by the hospital in London (under an agreement with my Health Authority), as that is where I was originally assessed for them.  There is an agent in Ireland for these ventilators, but I prefer to keep my London contact, as it is very useful in many respects.

I think your friend Dolores should consider a couple of things.  -- As I am not aware of the various Health Services/Insurance cover within the USA, these may not be appropriate.

As her Iron Lung is American -- 'Resperonics', who you say are finishing servicing Iron Lungs in March, they must have a supply of spare parts which will be of no use to them and they may consider selling them cheaply on giving them free.  Obviously, the ones that wear out quickest are the most important.

Are there any hospital units within your area of the country which are still using Iron Lungs that may be able to assist with servicing -- as there are very few Iron Lung users left, it could be a good publicity point for the hospital. 

Otherwise, in my experience, Iron Lungs do not need much servicing and what is necessary can be carried out by any reasonably competent person, as long as you have the parts required -- perhaps a good car mechanic/engineer.

As the Iron Lungs used around the world were often quite different, I don't think users of European models can be of much assistance.  Maybe other Post Polio Support Groups throughout the States have come across this problem and may be able to help.

I realise, I probably won't have been of much assistance, but Good Luck with your search.

Keep well to your both,

Jim Costello, Chairperson.
Post Polio Support Group, Ireland.
www.ppsg.ie