CHAPTER XIII 



FIRST HELP IN ACCIDENTS 



1. Shock. The term shock is applied to a condition of more 

 or less severe prostration, the result of some severe injury, 

 accident, or fright. It may or may not be accompanied by 

 loss of consciousness. The part affected is the nervous sys- 

 tem at large, and hence almost all the organs in the body suffer 

 more or less. Persons are differently affected by the same 

 injury ; in some, a comparatively slight accident produces a 

 profound degree of shock, and in others, a severe injury only 

 a very slight degree. The lighter forms of shock usually pass 

 off in a short while, but in the severer forms a person may die 

 without any injury being present. A person suffering from 

 shock will be found completely prostrated, unable to stand, his 

 body limp, face pale and anxious, covered with cold perspira- 

 tion, respiration feeble and shallow, pulse either very feeble 

 or imperceptible, and he may be conscious or unconscious. 



The great danger to this person lies in heart failure, and 

 if the shock is profound, death may ensue, unless help 

 is promptly given. Much can be done before medical aid 

 arrives, and a life may be saved by prompt action. As the 

 heart is the chief organ affected through the nervous system, 

 everything to promote its action should be done. Place the 

 sufferer flat upon his back, with the head low ; loosen all tight 

 clothing about the neck and chest ; give whiskey or brandy in 

 hot water in small doses at intervals of fifteen minutes or 

 half an hour ; surround the body with hot-water bottles, and 

 keep the patient warm and quiet. 



2. Fainting. This is the result of deficiency of blood in 

 the brain. Some people, especially women, faint very easily ; 



1. Shock, its causes and symptoms ? Danger ? Treatment ? 



2. Fainting, its causes and treatment ? 



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