The original caption may contain language which is historic and which may no longer be considered appropriate. It has been retained in the record in the interest of historical accuracy.
The caption on the reverse of the photograph reads: “Artificial respiration (Schafer method). Picture shows how in the Schafer method of artificial respiration the operator kneels at the side of the patient, facing the head, and with the hands placed on the small of the patient’s back.”
The Schafer method of artificial respiration was described by Edward Albert Sharpey-Schafer in 1904: a patient is placed face downward, and rhythmic pressure is applied to the lower part of the thorax using the hands. A fairly simple procedure, the Schafer method does not require excessive effort: weight is transferred from the first aider’s trunk to the patient’s back through the first aider’s straight arms, with no other muscular effort. The method became obsolete, however, after weaknesses were highlighted in the second half of the 20th century – including the lack of a component to mimic the inspiratory phase. The advantages of the mouth-to-mouth method were demonstrated in 1958. See also MED01/01/0902-0910. High-resolution copies of this image are available for free for non-commercial use. Please Enquire to place an order.
This is part of the Series: MED01/01 Series of prints; within the Collection: MED01 Topical Press Agency Medical Collection
Source: Historic England Archive
Photographer: Topical Press Agency Limited
Photographer: Harrison, Norman Kingsley
Womens Hospital, Childrens Hospital, Health And Welfare
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