First Aid to the Injured 



303 



fall, is a contusion, or bruise. A black eye, a knee injured 

 by a fall from a bicycle, and a finger hurt by a base- 

 ball are familiar examples of injuries which ordinarily 

 require very simple treatment. 



Wring out old towels or pieces of flannel in hot water 

 and apply to the parts, changing as they become cool. 

 For cold applications, use cloths wet with water diluted 

 with vinegar, or witch-hazel. 



When wounds are made with ragged edges, such as those 

 made by broken glass and splinters, more skill is called for. 

 Remove every bit of foreign sub- 

 stance. If the skin about the 

 wound seems to need washing it 

 should be done with one of the 

 many antiseptic solutions ; bring 

 the torn edges together, and hold 

 them in place with strips of 

 plaster. 



Wounds made by toy pistols, 

 percussion caps, and rusty nails 

 and tools, if neglected, often lead 

 to serious results from blood 

 poisoning. Keep such wounds FIG. 1 60. Showing how Digital 

 clean by washing or syringing Compression should be ap- 



, , / ./, plied to the Brachial Artery. 



them twice a day with anti- 

 septics, which kill the bacteria or prevent their growth. 



473. Injuries to the Blood Vessels. It is very important 

 to know the difference between the bleeding from an artery 

 and that from a vein. 



If an artery bleeds, the blood leaps in spurts and is of a 

 bright scarlet color. 



If a vein bleeds, the blood oozes in a steady stream and 

 is of a somewhat darker color. 



