330 



FIRST HELP IN ACCIDENTS 



the sight of blood or surgical instruments, a gruesome story, 

 the recital of an accident, are sufficient causes. As a rule, the 

 faint is of short duration, and all that is necessary is to place 

 the person upon the back, with the head low ; loosen all cloth- 

 ing about the neck and chest ; open a window to admit fresh air, 

 and sprinkle the face with cold water. If the faint occurs at 

 church or at some public gathering, remove the person promptly 

 to the outer air ; for foul air is frequently the cause of the 

 trouble. If after the above means have been employed a 

 person does not regain consciousness, give small doses (tea- 

 spoonful) of whiskey and water, equal parts, and if that is not 

 sufficient, elevate the legs and body, so as to promote as much 

 as possible the flow of blood to the brain. 



3. Vertigo. This is " a rush of blood to the brain." The 

 body should be placed in a sitting posture, with the head erect. 

 If the blood escapes into the brain by reason of the rupture of 

 a blood-vessel within it, the case is very grave, and the physi- 

 cian should be summoned at once. Meanwhile, let the position 

 be as above stated. Apoplexy is known, in very many cases, 

 by the helpless condition of an arm or leg, or both. 



4. Hemorrhage, or Bleeding. There is no doubt that many 

 a life has been lost, from severe hemorrhage, which could have 



been saved, had intelligent aid been at 

 hand to stop the bleeding-point. As a 

 rule, the bleeding of a small wound, 

 although profuse, can be readily con- 

 trolled by firm pressure over it, or by 

 tying a strip of bandage round it; but 

 in the severer forms of hemorrhage, 

 where large vessels are torn or cut, 

 this is not so easily accomplished. 

 Learn the difference between the two 

 kinds of bleeding, "arterial" and "ve- 

 nous." Arterial is bright red, and comes 

 in jets (or throbs corresponding to the 



8. Vertigo, its treatment? Apoplexy, how known ? 



4. Hemorrhage, or Bleeding, its treatment? Difference between "arterial" and 

 " venous " bleeding ? Treatment of each ? Outfit for every household ? 



