Forrest Bird, The Birdman of Idaho

Morley Safer Meets an Extraordinary American Inventor

(CBS)  But the flying experience that astonished him most was the encounter he had as a teenager, outside Boston one afternoon in 1937. "I was heading East. And I saw this massive thing in the sky," Bird remembers. "I flew up alongside of it. And I first saw the swastika on the end."

It was the great German Zeppelin Hindenburg, nearing the end of what would be its final voyage. "That was awe inspiring. Truly awe inspiring," he recalls.

Hours later, Bird - and the world - would hear about the explosive end the Hindenburg met when it tried to tie up at Lakehurst, N.J.

"It will be with me all my life," the inventor says.

Over the years, he had a couple of close calls of his own. But fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, and this Bird will not be grounded.

"A lot of people might feel just a tad uncomfortable flying with an 86-year-old pilot at the helm. What do you say to people like that?" Safer asks.

"I tell them that the FAA figures that I'm safe," Bird says.

Matter of fact, he says, in some air emergencies, like pulling out of a dive without blacking out, it's the old guy you want at the controls. "We have arterial sclerosis. Now, our young fellow, at 25, will black out faster than we will because our arteries are harder and they’re less expansive. So we maintain our blood pressure better. These are facts," Bird explains.

"This is the first case I've ever heard anyone make for hardening of the arteries," Safer remarks.

"Yeah, that’s right. But this is fact. I mean absolute fact. Textbook, eh?" Bird says.

Bird says he has no intention of packing it in anytime soon. "They’ll pack me in when they put me in a box, right?" he says.

And that seems unlikely any time soon. Bird thrives on work and flying, and on the knowledge of the difference his inventions have made in countless lives. His offices are covered with thank-yous from children and adults saved by Bird respirators.

What is he most proud of?

"I guess, probably, let's say the Baby Bird," the inventor says.

Which brings us back to the Turnbulls, who have not one, but two reasons to thank Forrest Bird. One is Tim, the baby saved from that terrible highway accident. The other is Tim’s brother Rob, born two months prematurely. The Baby Bird respirator saved his life as well.

Seeing these two strapping young men as grown-ups produced in Forrest Bird a rare condition: he was almost speechless. "I really am, I'm astounded," Bird says, laughing.

And so we leave bird man, back in the element he loves most, back in the wild blue yonder of Idaho, in the plane his daddy bought in 1939.

"Four, three, two, one, clearing the runway," Bird says at the controls of his plane.

[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.