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1900's

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1906

First blood transfusion

Dr. Crile and Dr. Sloan performing the first successful human blood transfusion on the Miller brothers.

George W. Crile, Sr., M.D., a founding father, and Harry Sloan, M.D., perform the first successful human to human blood transfusion at St. Alexis Hospital.


The Crile G-Suite

The G-Suite, developed by Dr. Crile, Sr.

In 1906, Dr. Crile invented a “pneumatic” suit, a special garment that could be used to help stabilize patients who had gone into shock. The suit helped ensure adequate blood flow to the brain. In the 1940s, Dr. Crile collaborated with the U.S. Navy and The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company to modify the pneumatic suit so that military pilots could use it. The result was the first G-suit, a garment that helped prevent “blackouts” during rapid ascents. In 1961, Dr. Crile's suit was modified again to prevent blood loss during certain surgical procedures. Ultimately, the pneumatic suit concept was adapted for use by astronauts to protect the body from pressure changes associated with space travel.

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