210 THE HOME, FARM AND BUSINESS CYCLOPEDIA. 



ful in the course of from two to five minutes, proceed to imitate breath- 

 ing by Dr. Silvester's method, as follows : 



1. Patient's position. 



Place the patient on the back of a flat surface, inclined a little upwards, 

 from the feet ; raise and support the head and shoulders on a small firm 

 cushion, or folded article of dress placed under the shoulder blades. 



2. To effect a free entrance of air into the windpipe. 



Cleanse the mouth and nostrils, draw forward the patient's tongne, and 

 keep it projecting beyond the lips ; an elastic band over the tongue and 

 under the chin will answer this purpose, or a piece of string or tape may 

 be tied round them by raising the lower jaw, the teeth may be made to 

 retain the tongue in that position. Remove all tight clothing from about 

 the neck and chest, especially the braces. 



3. To imitate the movements of breathing. 



Standing at the patient's head, grasp the arms just above the elbows, 

 and draw the arms gently and steadily upwards above the head, and keep 

 them stretched upwards for two seconds. (By this means air is drawn 

 into the lungs) Then turn down the patient's arms and press them 

 gently and firmly for two seconds against the sides of the chest. (By this 

 means air is pressed out of the lungs. Pressure on the breast-bone will 

 aid this.) 



Repeat these measures alternately, deliberately, and perseveringly, 

 about fifteen times in a minute, until a spontaneous effort to respire is 

 perceived ; immediately upon which cease to imitate the movements of 

 breathing and proceed to induce circulation and warmth. 



Should a warm bath be procurable, the body may be placed in it up to 

 the neck, continuing to imitate the movements of breathing. Raise the 

 body in twenty seconds in a sitting position, and dash cold water against 

 the chest and face, and pass ammonia under the nose. The patient should 

 not be kept in the warm bath longer than five or six minutes. 



4. To excite inspiration. 



During the employment of the above method excite the nostrils with 

 snuff or smelling salts, or tickle the throat with a feather. Rub the chest 

 and face briskly, and dash cold and hot water alternately on them. 



