James Elam (physician)

After doing an internship at Bethesdal Naval Hospital in 1945-1946 Elam went to the University of Minnesota for advanced studies.

[2] Based on his research at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York for understanding carbon dioxide absorption, he developed a prototype ventilator device that efficiently could absorb carbon dioxide during surgery, dubbed the Roswell Park ventilator.

Elam contributed significantly to the development and understanding of modern rescue breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and brought it to the attention of the medical community and the general public.

He also participated in producing films demonstrating the life-saving technique and contributed with Peter Safar in the development of a mannequin called Resusci Anne, produced by Laerdal of Norway, that allowed the public to learn the technique in a safe manner.

In 1968, Elam, together with Robert Bauer, founded of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP).