MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 346 

 RESUSCITATION OF THE APPARENTLY DROWNED. 



In the instruction of the Army in First Aid the metliod of 

 resuscitation of the apparently drowned, as described by 

 " Schaefer," will be taught instead of the " Sylvester Method," 

 heretofore used. The Schaefer method of artificial respiration 

 is also applicable in cases of electric shock, asphyxiation by 

 gas, and of the failure of respiration following concussion of 

 the brain. 



Being under water for four or five minutes is generally 

 fatal, but an effort to revive the apparently drowned should 

 always be made, unless it is known that the body has been 

 under water for a very long time. The attempt to revive the 

 patient should not be delayed for the purpose of removing his 

 clothes or placing him in the ambulance. Begin the procedure 

 as soon as he is out of the water, on the shore or in the boat. 

 The first and most important thing is to start artificial respi- 

 ration without delay. 



The Schaefer method is preferred because it can be carried 

 out by one person without assistance, and because its pro- 

 cedure is not exhausting to the operator, thus permitting him, 

 if required, to continue it for one or two hours. When it is 

 known that a person has been under water for but a few 

 minutes continue the artificial respiration for at least one 

 and a half to two hours before considering the case hopeless. 

 Once the patient has begun to breathe watch carefully to see 

 that he does not stop again. Should the breathing be very 

 faint, or should he stop breathing, assist him again with 

 artificial respiration. After he starts breathing do not lift 

 him nor permit him to stand until the breathing has become 

 full and regular. 



SCHAEFER METHOD. 



As soon as the patient is removed from the water, turn him 

 face to the ground, clasp your hands under his waist, and raise 

 the body so any water may drain out of the air passages while 

 the head remains low. (Figure 9.) 



The patient is laid on his stomach, arms extended from his 

 body beyond his head, face turned to one side so that the 

 mouth and nose do not touch the ground. This position causes 



