Forrest Bird, The Birdman of Idaho

Morley Safer Meets an Extraordinary American Inventor

(CBS)  This story was first published on Oct. 7, 2007. It was updated on Aug. 27, 2009.

A viewer wrote 60 Minutes a while back and said we really should take a look at the life and times of a man, an inventor named Forrest Bird. Correspondent Morley Safer did and found, in the panhandle of Idaho, a remarkable American original.

Over the last eight decades, Bird has seen enough history and rubbed elbows with enough legends to rival that other Forrest, Forrest Gump.

As we reported two years ago, chances are Bird's invention has saved the life of someone you know, maybe even your own. And though he may not be a household name, when inventors get together Bird stands literally head and shoulders above the rest.

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At the annual gathering of the National Inventors Hall Of Fame, America's visionary tinkerers are honored.

There's Patsy Sherman, who invented Scotchgard to protect the rug and the furniture, Dr. Harry Coover, who invented Super Glue to hold your stuff together, and Dr. Klaus Schmeigel, who invented Prozac to hold your head together.

And standing tall among them, all 6'4" of him, is Forrest Bird. His brainchild, the modern medical respirator, has given the breath of life to countless people around the world. It all began with a gizmo he cobbled together long ago to help a friend with emphysema breathe.

"I went to the hardware store and got a doorknob. You can see this doorknob right here at the top," Bird explains. "So the patient would push down like this on the doorknob and blow their lungs up. He did remarkably well with it."

The year was 1947 and Bird says he didn't have the "foggiest" idea that he was on the trail of inventing a device that would become one of the most routine parts of emergency medicine. "I mean, this was seeing a problem and coming up with a rudimentary answer, that was all," he says.

And that answer came from one of this tinkerer's many passions: aviation. Bird is an old flyboy who still takes to the skies in a souped-up 1938 Piper Cub that belonged to his father.

"My daddy was a World War I pilot, and I just wanted to be able to fly like he did," Bird says.

Bird spent World War II delivering aircraft from the factory to the front, and got to thinking along the way about the similarities between air flowing over the wings of a plane and air moving through the human lung.

"In that lung is rudimentary air foils. It's like a million airplane wings all down through the lungs. In and out, all the way through, that facilitate your normal, spontaneous breathing. So it was just applying all this," Bird explains. "Taking it from aviation."

It sounds simple enough, a concept even school kids can grasp. But in reality, the human lung works with mind-numbing complexity. For his own education, the military sent Bird to medical school. And though his studies took him to the outer limits of science, his next respirator was still definitely low tech.

For example, he used strawberry shortcake tins to construct one of his early machines. "And what I did was, I put a diaphragm in here so that when you did that, it would drop the pressure and this magnet would grab it and hold it off," he explains.

Back then, there weren't many options for people with respiratory problems. The worst cases required iron lungs, which were big, primitive, expensive and confining.

So Bird kept on trying to develop a small, affordable device that could automatically help people breathe. His breakthrough came in the late 1950s with the "Bird Mark 7" respirator, a device so effective the Air Force made a training film about it, with Hollywood music and all.

"We were able to assist your respiration. We could control it," Bird explains.

The respirator, Bird says, became standard use "throughout the entire world."

"And still today, there's tens of thousands of these still functioning around," he says.

[bobdavidowski]

They say timing is everything.

I have two friends that have started a fund raising organisation here in the Bahamas to purchase some of Mr. Birds equipment. Just last week I was informed of their efforts and the launch of thier campaign. I then saw the 60 Minute report on the inventor of the exact ventilators. Very impressive report.

These organizations kicked off a campaign and a nationwide(Bahams) appeal to raise $300,000 for four ventilators and six incubators to replace critically needed equipment in the NICU for Princess Margaret Hospital.

If interested in providing a donation contact Mark Roberts or Michelle Rassin.

[MIKEBRANIFF]

The last time I saw the Bird Mark 7 respirator was at the K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base Hospital 20 miles south of Marquette, Michigan. Mom and I in the waiting area were happy to oblige when the staff asked if a handsome young man, age 14, would like to pose for a picture with a nurse demonstrating the Bird Mark 7. The picture and article appeared in the base paper sometime in 1970. We'll have to search for the picture & article @ mom's. I never saw the beautiful nurse again. Thanks Forrest for those moments of eye candy.

[BUNKYGO]

AS AN AVID WATCHER AND FAN OF 60 MINUTES, I DON'T KNOW HOW I MISSED THE ORIGINAL AIRING OF THE PIECE ON FORREST BIRD... AS A RESPIRATORY THERAPIST.. I HAVE ALWAYS WONDERED ABOUT THE MAN THAT MADE MY PROFESSION MORE THAN GIVING BREATHING TREATMENTS, BUT ALLOWED US TO SAVE THOSE WHO WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE DIED HAD THERE NEVER BEEN ANYTHING OTHER THAN AN IRON LUNG.. THANKS 60 MINUTES, AND THANKS FORREST BIRD... YOU ARE MY HERO..

[svogler]

If you think that there are not any heros in the world at this time- I must remind you of
a Dr.Forrest Bird (the modern day Divinci).
Man for all seasons. A communicator with life experiences-that 100 people could only hope for. Pilot, Son of WW-1 pilot, inventor,
He told me of pulling the breathing apparatus out of a captured German Messerschmit, he was ferrying home, as he noted it was far superior to American fighter plane issue apparatus at the time. He discerned how it worked and attempted to reproduce it using a coffee can, drive magnet, and diaphragms.
Having used the Mark 7, 14, Cpap ventilator, and Baby Bird in the last 38 years as a respiratory therapist-to "bring patients to the surface" Dr. Bird has also coined several definitions-that I use daily. One favorite is "Wedge."
Saw him speak at age 84-very compelling, and efficient communicator as well as informative. All eyes were captivated witnessing his powerful aura.

I spoke with him afterwards of a mutual (physician -anesthesiologist) friend from Jackson, Mississippi, his eyes opened wide-and he spoke of the good times both had shared. He is a Super Man in the flesh. Thanks for the doc.

[unctony]

Thank you CBS News 60 Minutes for highlighting this remarkable individual. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Forrest Bird. That has been a long time dream of mine since I have been practicing Respiratory Care for 25 years and to this day use his inventions. He will soar with the eagles in his own private Idaho and the world for eternity. The Birdman is truly a gift to all of mankind!

[unctony]

Thank you CBS News 60 Minutes for highlighting this remarkable individual. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Forrest Bird. That has been a long time dream of mine since I have been practicing Respiratory Care for 25 years and to this day use his inventions. He will soar with the eagles in his own private Idaho and the world for eternity. The Birdman is truly a gift to all of mankind!

[jaerrt]

I also am a respiratory therapist. I have had the amazing opportunity to meet Dr. Bird twice. Once as a student, the second as a ''seasoned'' respiratory therapist. Both experiences were the same. It was just as someone else mentioned...I too felt like a groupie. Dr. Bird is a brilliant man as you have wonderfully portrayed. Thank you, CBS and 60 Minutes, for highlighting one of the greatest men that most people have never heard of.

[mandac76-2009]

In 1976, I was born premature and was put on a vent, and I thank Dr. Bird for him inventing ventilators and assistive devices. Now I am 31, and I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist who sees how his inventions help people to lead a better quality of life. I hope that I can make a difference in other''s life like he has, he is such an inspiration! Kudos on flying! My great Uncle George had polio, and won an airplane from writing a jingle before WWII started, and he was grounded after the war. Later in his life, the same year John Glenn went back up into space, learned to fly his airplane. Both Dr. Bird, My Great Uncle George & Dr. Stephen Hawkings are my heroes and they inspire me daily!

[cscaggs1]

As a respiratory therapist, I was thrilled to see an icon of my field profiled on 60 Minutes. I had the great honor of meeting Dr. Bird last year at a respiratory conference in Nashville, TN. I felt like a groupie at a rock concert! He is such a legend to all of us who have helped so many people with his medical inventions. And he was so very humble and gracious to all of us. Dr. Bird, you are a true blessing!

[sheritooley]

What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. His contibutions to the respiratory profession have been long recognized.You''ve brought light to what he has silently brought to the world.
Thank you,
Sheri RRT-NPS

[jabajian]

I was very fortunate to fly with Forrest when he flew up to vist my Dad on Lake Champlain. He had spent the night on a converted PBY, he came in in the morning for coffee and thats when the anchor line broke.. he rushed back to the plane and managed to take off.. when he approached the Burlington airport the tower told him he was leaking fuel.. he calmly informed them it was water!
If only my Dad was still alive, he would have loved seeing his old friend on TV.
Chris

[ruthe8]

What a great man! I had never heard of him! Inspiring! Not just another musician or politician but a true hero affecting all of humanity! Thanks for sharing this uplifting story of a man that can be such an inspiration to our children!

[timbuckley4]

It is rare that you are able to meet a true American legend. As many of the other posters, I am also a respiratory therapist, a field that might not exist if it were not for Forrest Bird''s vision and lack of pretense. All of his ventilators are remarkable for their simplicity and flexibility. I have had the pleasure of meeting Dr Bird twice, but the indepth interview made me appreciate those meetings more than I remembered. As a fellow pilot, I would love to sit with Dr Bird and do some hanger flying someday soon. Thanks for recognizing this unique individual for waht he has done for the world.

[djsrrt]

I have been in the respiratory field for nearly 20 years and I have met Dr. Bird several times. He is an extremely generous man and his invovation to the respirtatory field will always be remembered and highly respected. He is truly dedicated, not only to helping others, but to teaching and sharing his expertise with the medical profession. Thank you for the story on Dr. Bird.

[cargeoma]

I have a rare lung disease called mycobacteria avium
(www.MAClungdisease.org) I would love to be able to contact Mr. Bird to give him another challenge in his life. I have a very advanced case of "MAC" and will soon have to go on oxygen. I''m 65 and weigh 98 lbs soaking wet. The disease has trashed my lungs to the point of just having my left lung functioning. The thoughts of having to drag around an oxygen tank in order to breathe is a horrible thought. I''ve often wondered why someone hasn''t invented something easier for us to use in order to breathe. Won''t you contact Mr Bird and share this challenge? [e-mail]

[jocr1]

What a great story! It is wonderful to see individuals who have made such a difference profiled on national TV. He is truely an inspiration. Thank you CBS, and thank you Dr. Bird for all you have done to benefit mankind. Your desire to inspire young people to investigate careers in math and science is a very worthwhile endeavor! We need more folks like you!

[sfranr]

Twenty-six years ago our first child was born 3 months premature. She was immediately put on a respirator. My husband and I spent each day at the hospital with her. She fought hard to live but she lost the fight after 96 days. During that time our love for her grew and we experienced her love as she would look into our eyes and occassionaly squeeze our finger. Thank you Dr. Bird for making this loving experience with our daughter possible. Susan

[aileron2]

As a teenager in the 60''s, I recall when my mother had to use the "bird". We thought it was called that because of the occasional chirping sound it made. It was interesting to learn the real reason it was called "the Bird". Thank you, Forrest Bird, for making it more comfortable for my mother to breathe; something most of us take for granted.
Michelle Kouri
Michigan

[rtmike2002]

I am a respiratory therapist. I have used Dr Bird''s inventions for over 25 years. One of the more recent, the Bronchotron has allowed me to transport extremely premature infants safely and with minimal lung damage. Thank you Dr. Bird.

[jmhjones]

Thank you for highlighting Dr. Bird on 60 Minutes. He is a remarkable man. Just look what his intelligence, compassion and inquisitive mind has brought to us! His respirator saved my brother''s life when he was born in 1959. Thank you, Dr. Bird. Because of you, my brother and thousands of others have had the chance to live. I look forward to visiting Dr. Bird''s museum (www.birdaviationmuseum.com) next summer in northern Idaho. My parents and my daughter were there for the opening and thoroughly enjoyed it and the opportunity to meet Dr. Bird.