MOUTH-TO-MOUTH RESUSCITATION
History of Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation
The usefulness of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation has been recognized since ancient times, and references to mouth resuscitation can be found in the Bible and the Talmud. In 1472, mouth-to-mouth to resuscitation of the newborn was described in the first book published on childhood diseases by Paulus Bagellardus.Building on the work of Dr. James Elam, who first proved that expired air was sufficient to maintain adequate oxygenation in 1946, Peter Safar wrote ABC of Resuscitation in 1957, in which he discussed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions. The following endorsement can be found in the May 17, 1958. issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association : "Skillful performance of expired air breathing is an easily learned, lifesaving procedure..." In the 1970s, the technique was promoted for use by the public. In 1988 the American Heart Association introduced the first pediatric courses, including neonatal resuscitation, cosponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).