CPR Doll’s Face Is A Copy Of 19th Century Drowned Woman’s Face
You would probably be surprised how many everyday objects and common things have ridiculous, bizarre or even hilarious origin stories. Like the stethoscope for instance!! This ingenious piece of medical equipment which became an inseparable part of a physicians image was actually invented under quite amusing circumstances.
Back in the 19th century when doctors would rely on laying their ears on the patient’s body to hear their heartbeat, one physician, René Laennec, felt uncomfortable examining a female patient that close, so he took a piece of paper, rolled it up and, VOILA!!! The first stethoscope was created!
“L’lnconnue de la Seine” was a woman whose death mask fascinated hundreds and has saved thousands
However, some stories have much grimmer beginnings. “L’Inconnue de la Seine” is a morbid icon in the art world, a death mask that feels uncanny to look at as it combines two things that usually don’t belong together. A portrait of a dead person and an utter sense of peace.
Although the exact origins are unknown, it is widely believed that the unidentified young woman whose death mask fascinated hundreds and saved thousands, was likely a victim of suicide. The story says that her body was pulled out of the Ricer Seine in the late 1880’s and showed no signs of violence, thus the suicide claim. Considering the state of her skin and features, some specialists have estimated the girl to be no older than 16 years of age. The pathologist at the Paris Morgue was reportedly so fascinated by the female’s beauty, he made a wax death mask.
The pathologist wasn’t the only person charmed by her calmness and beauty as numerous copies of the death mask were created, to the point where many Parisians kept it at home as fashionable morbid fixture. Some people dwelled on the expression on the girl’s face. Famously, Albert Camus compared the girl’s smile to that of Mona Lisa’s, inviting many speculations about her status, circumstances, and death.
The image spread widely through history, inspiring many art pieces, stories and novels. Some historians and scholars even note that “The Unknown Woman of the Seine” was a fashion icon with women trying to model their looks on her.
Peter Safar and Asmund Laerdal, the creators of the first aid mannequin Resusci Anne, chose the Seine woman’s death mask as the face of the CPR doll. As the mannequin was used for millions of CPR courses throughout history, “L’Inconnue de la Sine” has been dubbed “the most kissed face” of all time. It’s a good thing we now know hard, deep, high quality chest compression’s out weigh breathing.
We’re all aware that the CPR mannequin is not alive. But not many realize how actually dead it really is. Quite a horrifying thought. But now you know!!
