Nearly everyone goes through CPR training at some point. After an instructor walks you through the basics of compressions and breathing, you’re invited to try for yourself on a life-sized doll. But few people know this doll’s name is “Annie,” and her likeness is based on a 19th-century death mask of an unidentified drowning victim in Paris. In this episode of Smarticus Tells History, Marty walks us through the history of Resusci Annie, the most kissed girl in the world. 

Highlights: 

Resusci Annie is the gold-standard in CPR training, and millions have learned the techniques of compression and resuscitation from her lifeless torso. But behind the face of the medical doll is the story of a real 19th century woman. Marty tells you all about it in this episode. Highlights include: 

• The discovery of an unidentified body in the Seine River that led to the creation of death mask. 
• How civilizations have used death masks throughout history in their burial rites. 
• Why the likeness of ‘L’Inconnue de la Seine’ became the hottest home accessory in Europe.
• The invention of CPR and how a toy maker ended up being tasked with creating a training doll. 
• The introduction of Resusci Annie and how she evolved following new medical guidelines. 
• Asmund Laerdal’s lifelong contributions to life-saving medical advancements. 
• The impact of Resusci Annie and CPR training on saving lives around the world.
• Current and future improvements to Laerdal’s classic Annie. 
• The enduring mystery of the Inconnue. 

Links: 

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Sources: 

https://www.livescience.com/cpr-doll-resusci-annie-face.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-24534069

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_mask

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/cpr-annie/

https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S1049023X00043569

https://laerdal.com/us/information/resusci-anne-then-and-now/

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