332 FIRST AID TO THE INJURED 



Salt water, tablespoonful of salt in tumbler of tepid water. 



Copper sulphate, 10 grs. in 2 oz. of warm water. 



Zinc sulphate, 20 to 30 grs. in half a tumbler of tepid water. 



Ipecac, 2 tablespoonfuls of the wine or syrup. 



Caution: Emetics are useless unless taken immediately after 

 such substances as opium, morphine, carbolic acid, aconite, 

 cocaine, or strong acids and alkalies, which either cause 

 anesthesia of the throat and stomach or destroy their tissues. 



3) Give antidotes: 



Chemical (.see Special Poisons), in order to destroy the 

 power of the poison. 



Physiological, in order to increase the power of the heart 

 and to overcome weakness and depression : 



a) Give stimulants, such as, 



Aromatic spirits of ammonia or common ammonia, table- 

 spoonful in half glass of water ; frequent small doses. 



Pure grain alcohol, 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls in warm water. 



Coffee in strong solution. 



Vapor of ether inhaled or 1 teaspoonful in warm water. 



Tincture of nux vomica. 5 to 10 drops in water. 



Strychnia, fa to ^ gr. 



Caution : Since stimulants are not absorbed from the stomach 

 if there is much corrosive action, as in the case of strong acids 

 or alkalies, they should be given by the rectum. 



b) Apply heat by means of warm blankets, hot water bottles, 

 bricks, etc. Caution: In case of loss of consciousness, be 

 especially careful to apply nothing hot enough to cause a 

 burn. 



c) Give massage, rubbing toward the heart, in order to aid 

 the venous return. Keep the patient in a horizontal position, 

 or, in case of profound depression, with the head and chest 

 lower than the rest of the body. Sudden raising of the head 

 should always be avoided in anyone who is weak. Caution: 

 In case of snake bite, avoid rubbing, since it tends to scatter the 

 poison (see p. 335). 



d) Give diluents, as water, or any harmless fluid, in order 

 to dilute and thereby weaken the power of the poison as well as 

 to delay its absorption. 



e) Give demulcents, as milk, white of egg, or boiled starch, 

 if the poison is corrosive or irritant, in order to coat over the 



