MANTTAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICEES. 349 



filling takes care of itself. Pressure and release of pressure — 

 one complete respiration — occupies about five seconds. If the 

 operator is alone, he can be guided in each act by his own 

 deep, regular respiration or by counting or by his watch lying 

 by his side. If comrades are present, be can be advised by 

 them. 



The duration of the efforts as artificial respiration should 

 ordinarily exceed an hour ; indefinitely longer if there are any 

 evidences of returning animation, by way of breathing, speak- 

 ing, or movements. There are liable to be evidences of life 

 within 25 minutes in patients who will recover from electric 

 shock, but where there is doubt the patient should be given the 

 benefit of the doubt. In drowning, especially, recoveries are 

 on record after two hours or more of unconsciousness ; hence, 

 the Schaefer method, being easy of operation, is more likely to 

 be persisted in. 



Aromatic spirits of ammonia may be poured on a handker- 

 chief and held continuously within 3 inches of the face and 

 nose. If other ammonia preparations are used, they should be 

 diluted or held farther away. Try it on your own nose first. 



When the operator is a heavy man it is necessary to caution 

 him not to bring force too violently upon the ribs, as one of 

 them might be broken. 



Do not attempt to give liquids of any kind to the patient 

 while unconscious. Apply warm blankets and hot-water bot- 

 tles as soon as they can be obtained. 



