340 FIRST AID TO THE INJURED 



After 5 or 10 minutes of artificial respiration, it may 

 be best, if in winter, to remove the patient to a warm 

 place. During the time of removal continue, if possible, 

 artificial respiration and especially rhythmic pressure in 

 the region of the heart every 1 or 2 seconds, since this 



FIG. 153. Prone pressure method of artificial respiration showing, first, position 

 of relaxation (inspiration) ; second, position of pressure (expiration). (After 

 Schafer.) 



may tend to keep the blood in circulation and carry 

 aerated blood from the lungs to the tissues. Artificial 

 respiration should be continued for 1 or 2 hours if neces- 

 sary, as there is always hope of saving a person's life if 

 the pulse or heart beat can be detected. Persons have 

 been saved after being under water as long as 12 or 15 

 minutes. 



In addition to artificial respiration, a hot water bottle 

 may be applied to the heart to stimulate its action ; and 

 warm (105 F.) water may be injected into the rectum, 

 to aid in restoring the heat of the body. Hot cloths, hot 

 water bottles and hot bricks should be freely used as 

 soon as possible, care being taken to avoid burns. Stim- 

 ulants may be given by the mouth, if the patient is able 

 to swallow; if not, they may be given by the rectum, in 

 which case they will be absorbed and carried by the 

 blood to the respiratory and cardiac centres. 



After the crisis is past, shock should be avoided by 

 keeping the patient quiet in bed, and his strength should 

 be built up by the use of food and stimulants as needed. 



