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Archiver > NYBROOKLYN > 2003-05 > 1052760577


From: Chris Hendrickson <>
Subject: [Bklyn] Brooklyn Standard Union July 10, 1929 - news
Date: Mon, 12 May 2003 13:29:37 -0400


Brooklyn Standard Union July 10, 1929 News

GAS VICTIMS RESCUE ARMY MAY HAVE TOILED IN VAIN

Pneumonia Threatens BRIGNETTI, Weakened by his ORDEAL

Further signs of returning vitality cheered workers over the unconscious
form of Paul BRIGNETTI, would-be-suicide, at Kings County Hospital to-day.

But with the prediction that he would regain consciousness came the
disheartening prophecy that he would be almost certain to contract a
fatal case of pneumonia when the resuscitation treatment ceased.

His lungs, under the strain of exposure to oxygen for so long, will
fall an easy prey to pneumonia, I fear, said Deputy Superintendent
CURRIE of the hospital staff.

At 11 oclock this morning BRIGNETTI had been taking oxygen for
twenty-six hours. In that time he has used up 105 tanks, which are being
replenished by the Brooklyn Edison Company as fast as they are emptied.

BRIGNETTI is now moving and groaning occasionally. Saline solutions and
a solution of glucose and water are being given him to preserve and add
to his strength.

The patient, a veteran of the Italian army, was found unconscious in the
furnished room he occupied at 2652 West Sixteenth street, Coney Island.
Two gas jets were turned on.

Between the finding of the unconscious man and the report of hopes for
his recovery there has been such action as could only happen in the most
modern world, with the most modern inventions in use, and a surplus of
that spirit of sympathy and willingness to aid for which the modern
world is given a minimum of credit.

Since yesterday morning twenty-one policemen, half a dozen interns and
house surgeons of the Kings County Hospital, and a group of nurses and
orderlies, have been working over the nearly dead Italian veteran in a
steady unflagging effort to bring him back to life.

To all intents and purposes BRIGNETTI had accomplished his purpose of
suicide when he was discovered in his kitchen. It was said that he had
been despondent over his health and other troubles had persuaded him
that life was not worth the living. The thirty or more persons who have
worked continuously over him for a day and a night hope to convince him
that his ideas of life and death are entirely wrong.

Immediately after BRIGNETTI was brought to the hospital. Sergeant BOETIG
and Rescue Squad No. 4 began to work on him with an inhaler and oxygen
tanks. Before that squad took a rest twenty-four tanks of oxygen had
been used.

At 4 P.M. Sergeants MOORE and Rescue Squad No. 3 took up the work and
ran the tally of oxygen tanks up to fifty-eight by midnight, when
Sergeant MALLEY and Rescue Squad No. 2 took charge and continued the
operation.

Early this morning BRIGNETTI began to show signs of returning
consciousness. He moved his arms and legs and murmured hoarsely. The
physicians in charge took that as a most favorable sign and efforts to
revive him were continued with greater hope.

Although he had not regained full consciousness at 10 oclock it was
believed that he would and hopes for his recovery were entertained.


Transcribed for the Brooklyn Info Pages by Chris Hendrickson
Researching: Dignan, Hendrickson, Silkenstadt, Strathmann, Soper, Zorn

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