336 FIRST AID TO THE INJURED 



as fainting, children's convulsions, epileptic attacks, 

 apoplexy, sunstroke, injury of the brain, drowning, and 

 poisoning by illuminating gas, carbolic acid, opium and 

 alcohol. In order to assist a person who is unconscious, 

 one must know the nature of the trouble. Ordinarily, 

 it is possible to discover this and by rendering assistance 

 to prevent more or less serious consequences. 



Treatment: The general treatment for unconscious- 

 ness may be begun while an examination as to its cause 

 is being made. A physician should be sent for at once. 

 The patient should be placed upon his back and the 

 clothing about throat and chest loosened. Give him 

 plenty of fresh air and, if the breathing has ceased 

 although the pulse is still felt, apply artificial respira- 

 tion. Do not give stimulants if the face is flushed or 

 the pulse is strong; in case of brain injury, they may 

 even cause further injury of the brain tissue by continu- 

 ing the hemorrhage. If the temperature of the body is 

 raised, apply wet cloths or ice. 



In making an examination, note if there is fracture 

 of bones, including ribs, collar bone and skull. Run the 

 fingers down the spine and determine whether there 

 is dislocation or fracture. Lift the lids of both eyes and 

 see whether they are dilated, contracted, or equal in size. 

 In opium and morphine poisoning, they are contracted ; 

 in brain injury, they may be dilated or unequal in size. 

 Determine also whether there is an odor to the breath 

 which suggests alcohol, ether, or chloroform. Note 

 whether there is any discoloration of the lips, showing 

 the use of strong acids or alkalies. 



Fainting. In fainting, the face and lips lose their 

 color and the pulse is weak. 



Treatment: Place the patient upon his back, with the 

 head and chest lower than the rest of the body. If there 



