624 EVERYDAY SCIENCE 



between the wound and the heart. The artery can often be located 

 by its pulsations. In case of a severed artery in leg or arm, let the 

 patient lie on his back and elevate the wounded leg or arm. An 

 elastic band, a pair of elastic suspenders, or a tightly wrapped 

 bandage applied between the wound and the heart will often serve 

 to stop the bleeding in 15 or 20 minutes. 



In very severe cases, a tourniquet may be used. To make 

 a tourniquet, knot a strong handkerchief or cloth about the arm 

 or leg above the wound, place the knot over the supply artery, 

 and use a stick to twist the bandage as tight as necessary. Such 

 a bandage should not be left on more than 20 minutes. If the 

 doctor has not arrived in that time, exert pressure with a pad over 

 the wound itself for about five minutes and then replace the tour- 

 niquet. 



In case of deep punctures, sujch as are made by nails, long splinters, 

 etc., have them cleaned and disinfected immediately by a doctor 

 to avoid danger of lockjaw or blood poisoning. 



Never neglect minor incisions, scratches, or punctures. See 

 first that all foreign matter is removed from the wound and from 

 the surface around it. This should be done with a piece of aseptic 

 gauze and carbolic acid solution (1 teaspoonful of carbolic acid or 

 lysol to a pint of water), boric acid, bichloride of mercury solution, 

 turpentine, or grain alcohol. See that the antiseptic solution 

 reaches every part of the wound. 



If there is tendency to bleeding, bandage the wound firmly with 

 aseptic gauze. A bandage is also useful to keep the wound from 

 coming in contact with infected surfaces. If the wound is where 

 there is little if any danger of such infection by contact, do not be 

 afraid to leave it open to light and air. This is infinitely better 

 anyhow than binding it with a cloth that is not clean or closing it 

 up with unclean court plaster. 



Quick closing of the surface of a wound is not desirable. The 

 healing should be "from the inside out." If inflammation and 

 soreness persist, it will frequently be found that the wound needs 

 to be reopened with a sharp instrument that has been disinfected 

 by dipping it in alcohol or carbolic acid. When the wound has 



