Kreiselman Positive Pressure Portable Resuscitator

This was a respiratory emergency device manufactured in the United States around the mid-20th century, and was widely used by the military and pre-hospital emergency services. The device was capable of performing several important functions simultaneously, including artificial ventilation (positive pressure), oxygen delivery, and airway suction, thereby helping sustain patients’ lives in critical situations.

According to information associated with the artifact, this equipment set was seized by the Quang Da military-civilian medical forces in 1973. Under the harsh and resource-limited conditions of the battlefield, devices like this became highly valuable emergency tools, used in field medical stations or during the transport of wounded soldiers.

A complete set included multiple components: a medical oxygen cylinder, a pressure regulator and gauge, a breathing mask, a manual resuscitation bag, an air tubing system, a suction device (aspirator) with collection bottle, airway support accessories, as well as a carrying case and mounting frame for ease of transport under mobile conditions. This combination enabled medical personnel to respond quickly to respiratory failure at the scene, before the patient could be transferred to a treatment facility.

After the war, the artifact was received and preserved by Dr. Chin from the early 21st century onward. Recognizing its historical value and educational significance, Dr. Chin decided to donate it to the Apollo Medical Museum, where medical artifacts are preserved and displayed.

The acquisition of this artifact not only enriches the museum’s collection, but also helps recreate a special chapter in the history of medicine, when portable resuscitation devices such as the Kreiselman accompanied the Quang Da military-civilian medical forces in their race to save lives on the battlefield.