Breath of Life and Pulse of Life, by Gordon, Archer S., M.D., Ph.D. Distributed by Pyramid Film Producers, P.O. Box 1048, Santa Monica, California, 90406; 16 mm color, sound movies, 16 minutes and 27 minutes, price $160 and $250, respectively. (Also available on rental basis—$10 and $15.)

These award-winning films, which have been translated into a number of foreign languages, have achieved international recognition and widespread use in health and safety training programs. The films demonstrate the latest resuscitation principles which are in accordance with recommendations of a committee of The National Academy of Sciences—National Research Council.1 Because of the possibility of drowning, fainting, suffocation, and electric shock (lightning) in the course of mountaineering expeditions, it is important to include training in resuscitation techniques in first-aid courses for mountaineers. While these movies are no substitute for individual instruction and practice, they are an excellent adjunct to any training program.

Breath of Life, narrated by Art Linkletter, is intended for use by the general public. The basic principles of maintaining the victim’s airway (breathing passages), of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and of mouth-to- nose resuscitation are covered in this film. Dramatic sequences simulating episodes of electric shock, choking, suffocation by a small landslide, drowning, and drug poisoning serve to emphasize and reinforce these techniques. Pulse of Life is narrated by Raymond Massey. This film also covers artificial respiration (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) as in Breath of Life, although the footage is different. In addition, artificial circulation by means of external cardiac compression is presented. The film is intended primarily for rescue squads, lifeguards, firemen and police officers, but it is also appropriate for mountaineers who rarely can depend on immediate help from trained rescue personnel. These films, and associated training aids,1 while not specifically developed for the mountaineering situation, would be an outstanding addition to any mountain rescue training program or serious course in first aid for mountaineers.

Thomas O. Nevison, Jr., M.D.

1. See: Journal of The American Medical Association, Vol. 198 (24 Oct. 1966), 372-379.

1. Numerous training aids are available for demonstration and practice of resuscitation techniques. One product which has found wide use is the "Resusci-Anne,” a life-size, rescue-breathing doll, available from Medical Supply Company, Rockford, Illinois, about $170.00.