GAS POISONING 341 



Gas poisoning. Poisoning by illuminating or coal 

 gas results in headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears and 

 gradual loss of consciousness. The skin is pale and 

 bluish and the respiration irregular. 



Treatment: Remove the patient into the fresh air. 

 Dash cold water into the face, slap the chest, and tickle 

 the nose. Hold ammonia under the nostrils or take 

 the tongue in a dry handkerchief and every 4 seconds 

 draw it out with moderate force. If these measures fail 

 to re-establish breathing, artificial respiration must be 

 immediately undertaken. 



Choking. Unconsciousness may further be due to 

 choking or suffocation. Choking is usually due to the 

 presence of objects too large to be swallowed, which 

 become wedged against the larynx and thereby inter- 

 fere with the passage of air. It may also be due to 

 the presence of foreign bodies in the air passages, or 

 to irritating gases the inhalation of which causes spasm. 

 The result may be more or less complete but usually tem- 

 porary suffocation. Distress and violent coughing are 

 prominent symptoms. 



Treatment: Strike the patient strongly with the flat 

 of the hand on the back. Lay him on a bed or chairs 

 with the head and upper part of the chest hanging over. 

 Let him take a full breath and then press on his back 

 as the air goes out. In a child, raising by the feet may 

 aid in dislodging the object. If ineffective, do not waste 

 time, but pass the finger down the throat, taking the 

 precaution to insert a folded handkerchief between the 

 teeth to avoid being bitten. An ordinary finger is long 

 enough to reach to the larynx, and the object may be 

 felt and removed. An emetic of mustard water is some- 

 times effective if the object has not passed too far. Avoid 

 exhaustion of patient in the attempts at removal, since 



