Romancing the Rhythm of Respiration

General anesthesia was once provided using a face mask and a chin lift held by my left hand. My right hand would adjust the “APL” valve and rest upon the full reservoir bag. The living, breathing patient could be sensed and assisted beneath my fingers as I gently rode the bag to the rhythmic “to and fro” of respiration by stethoscope. The patient and practitioner functioned as one.

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