CHAPTER XIII. 

 FIRST-AID EULES. 



The bandages and dressings contained in the first-aid packet 

 have been so treated as to destroy any germs thereon. There- 

 fore, wlien dressing a wound, be carefu] not to touch or handle 

 that part of the dressing which is to be applied to the wound. 



A sick or injured person should always be made to lie down 

 on his back, if practicable, as this is the most comfortable 

 position, and all muscles may be relaxed. 



All tight articles of clothing and equipment should be 

 loosened, so as not to interfere with breathing or the circu- 

 lation of the blood. Belts, collars, and the trousers at the 

 waist should be opened. 



Don't let mere onlookers crowd about the patient. They 

 prevent him from getting fresh air and also make him nerv- 

 ous and excited. 



In case of injury the heart action i« generally weak from 

 shock, and the body, therefore, grows somewhat cold. So 

 don't remove any more clothing than is necessary to expose 

 the injury. 



Cut or rip the clothing, but don't pull it. Try to disturb the 

 patient as little as possible. 



Don't touch a wound with your fingers or a handkerchief, 

 or with anything else but the first-aid dressing. Don't wash 

 the wound with w^ater, as you may infect it. 



Don't administer stimulants (whisky, brandy, wine, etc.) 

 unless ordered to do so by a doctor. While in a few cases 

 stimulants are of benefit, in a great many cases they do posi- 

 tive harm, especially where there has been any bleeding. 



The heart may be considered as a pump and the arteries as 

 a rubber hose, which carry the blood from the heart to every 

 part of the body. The veins are the hose which carry the 

 blood back to the heart. Every wound bleeds some, but, unless 

 a large artery or a large vein is cut, the bleeding will stop 



