Description
A suspenseful, authoritative account of how the battle against a mid-century polio epidemic sparked a revolution in medical care.
Americans knew polio as the "summer plague." In countries further North, however, the virus arrived later in the year, slipping into the homes of healthy children as the summer waned and the equinox approached. It was described by one writer as "the autumn ghost."
Intensive care units and mechanical ventilation are the crucial foundation of modern medical care: without them, the appalling death toll of the COVID-19 pandemic would be even higher. In The Autumn Ghost, Dr. Hannah Wunsch traces the origins of these two innovations back to a polio epidemic in the autumn of 1952. Drawing together compelling testimony from doctors, nurses, medical students, and patients, Wunsch relates a gripping tale of an epidemic that changed the world.
In vivid, captivating chapters, Wunsch tells the dramatic true story of how insiders and iconoclasts came together in one overwhelmed hospital in Copenhagen to save the lives of many polio patients dying of respiratory failure. Their radical advances in care marked a turning point in the treatment of patients around the world—from the rise of life support and the creation of intensive care units to the evolution of rehabilitation medicine.
Moving and informative, The Autumn Ghost will leave readers in awe of the courage of those who battled the polio epidemic, and grateful for the modern medical care they pioneered.
Details
Get ready to dive into a perfect blend of mystery and medical history with "The Autumn Ghost: How the Battle Against a Polio Epidemic Revolutionized Modern Medical Care." This captivating book will keep you on the edge of your seat from the very first page. Written by Dr. Hannah Wunsch, an authoritative voice in the field, this suspenseful account explores how the fight against a mid-century polio epidemic led to groundbreaking advancements in medical care.
Step back in time and discover the true impact of the "autumn ghost," as the polio virus was hauntingly known. While Americans experienced its devastation during the summer months, countries further North faced a different reality. Dr. Wunsch reveals the chilling tale of how the virus sneaked into homes as summer turned into autumn, spreading fear and uncertainty.
Uncover the origins of intensive care units and mechanical ventilation, the pillars of modern medical care that have become even more vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Without these innovations, the grim death toll of today's crisis would be even higher. Dr. Wunsch masterfully connects the dots, tracing these life-saving developments back to the autumn of 1952.
Prepare to be captivated as Dr. Wunsch weaves together testimonials from doctors, nurses, medical students, and patients. You'll be drawn into the gripping narrative of an overwhelmed hospital in Copenhagen, where insiders and iconoclasts joined forces to save the lives of polio patients suffering from respiratory failure. Their fearless pursuit of radical advancements forever revolutionized patient care, leading to the creation of intensive care units and the rise of life support.
Immerse yourself in the transformative power of "The Autumn Ghost." This moving and informative book will leave you in awe of the bravery displayed by those fighting the polio epidemic. The pioneering efforts showcased in these pages not only changed the lives of countless individuals but also shaped the modern medical landscape we rely on today. Experience the courage, resilience, and dedication of these medical heroes as you journey through the pages of this extraordinary book.
Don't miss out on this captivating and illuminating read. Learn from the triumphs and tribulations of the past to appreciate the exceptional medical care we have today. Grab your copy of "The Autumn Ghost: How the Battle Against a Polio Epidemic Revolutionized Modern Medical Care" now!
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