Anne Mae Beddow
Anne Mae Beddow | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1893 |
| Died | 1974 (aged 80–81) |
| Education |
|
| Known for | Nurse anesthetist |
Anne Mae Beddow (1893 - 1974) was a nurse anesthetist. She was instrumental in the development and spread of intravenous anesthesia.[1]
Early life and military career
Beddow was born in 1893.[2] She attended the St. Vincent School of Nursing in Birmingham, Alabama.[1][2] She then attended Lakeside School of Anesthesia in Cleveland, Ohio.[2]
In May 1918, Beddow enlisted in the first unit of the United States Army Nurse Corps as a Lieutenant.[2] She travelled to Italy with the Loyola Unit,[1] and served with Base Hospital 102 in Vicenza, Italy.[2] Her contributions during the war led to her earning medals from the American and Italian governments.[1]
Later career
Although some accounts claim that Beddow during, Beddow developed the technique for administering pentothal sodium intravenously while on the Italian front,[2] other accounts speculate that she developed the technique after returning to the United States, perhaps[3] in the 1930s.[4]
Beddow went on to be elected president of the President of Alabama Nurses Association (1926), and was the first president of the Alabama Association of Nurse Anesthetists. She was also a charter membor of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, which she was the Treasurer/Director for.[2]
Death
Beddow died on July 7, 1974.[2]
Awards[2]
- 1973: 40-year service pin, American Red Cross
- 1973: Professional Boards Leadership, Unselfish Community Service, Exemplification of Altrusan Principles, Altrusa International, Inc
- 2016: Alabama Women's Hall of Fame
- 2017: Distinguished Service Award, Alabama Association of Nurse Anesthetists
References
- ^ a b c d Culver, Matthew; Adkison, Liam; Padgett, Chandler (2017). "William C. Gorgas and the Great War: Gorgas House Exhibit". Museum Chronicle. 57.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Anne Mae Beddow". Alabama Women's Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2025-07-07.
- ^ Herfurth, Haley (Summer 2017). "For Home and Country" (PDF). Alabama Alumni Magazine: 50.
- ^ "Issue 123, Winter 2017". Alabama Heritage. Retrieved 2025-07-07.