FIRST HELP IN ACCIDENTS 349 



13. Drowning. Marshall HaWs "Ready Method" of treat- 

 ment in asphyxia from drowning, chloroform, coal-gas, etc. 



1st. Treat the patient instantly on the spot, in the open air, 

 freely exposing the face, neck, and chest to the breeze, except 

 in severe weather. 



2d. In order to dear the throat, place the patient gently on 

 the face, with one wrist under the forehead, that all fluid, and 

 the tongue itself, may fall forward, and leave the entrance into 

 the windpipe free. 



3d. To excite respiration, turn the patient slightly on his 

 side, and apply some irritating or stimulating agent to the 

 nostrils, as veratrine, dilute ammonia, etc. 



4th. Make the face warm by brisk friction ; then dash cold 

 water upon it. 



5th. If not successful, lose 110 time ; but, to imitate respircv- 

 tion, place the patient on his face, and turn the body gently, 

 but completely, on the side, and a little beyond; then again on 

 the face, and so on, alternately. Repeat these movements 

 deliberately and perseveringly, fifteen times only in a minute. 

 (When the patient lies on the thorax, this cavity is compressed 

 by the weight of the body, and expiration takes place. When 

 he is turned on the side, this pressure is removed, and inspira- 

 tion occurs.) 



6th. When the prone position is resumed, make a uniform 

 and efficient pressure along the spine, removing the pressure 

 immediately, before rotation on the side. (The pressure aug- 

 ments the expiration, the rotation commences inspiration.) 

 Continue these measures. 



7th. Rub the limbs upward, with firm pressure, and with 

 energy. (The object being to aid the return of venous blood 

 to the heart.) 



8th. Substitute for the patient's wet clothing, if possible, 

 such other covering as can be instantly procured, each 

 bystander supplying a coat or cloak, etc. Meantime, and 

 from time to time, to excite inspiration, let the surface of the 

 body be slapped briskly with the hand. 



13. Drowning. What is Hall's ready method of treatment in asphyxia from drowning, 

 chloroform, coal-gas, etc. ? 



