482 Our Surroundings 



the skin and infection may take place, causing inflammation with 

 the possibility of blood-poisoning. A doctor should be called at 

 once for any fractured bone. 



While awaiting the doctor's arrival the patient should be placed 

 in as comfortable a position as possible. Great care should be 

 taken in handling the injured parts, if it seems necessary to do 

 this in changing his position, as the jagged ends of the bones may 

 be made to injure the soft tissues. The bone should be supported 

 on each side of the break, and a pillow or folded garment should 

 be used to keep it in a natural position. In case of a compound 

 fracture the wound should not be touched, owing to the danger of 

 infection, but a soft antiseptic pad should be placed on it as soon 

 as possible. No effort should be made to carry a patient until the 

 broken bone is held in position by splints. 



Wounds. Wounds may be classified under three heads: 

 incised wounds, or cuts of various depths usually made by knives 

 or glass ; torn, or lacerated, wounds in which the skin and tissues 

 beneath are more or less torn instead of cut, usually by harsh 

 contact with some object that tears or crushes; and punctured 

 wounds, such as stabs and pricks made by thorns, needles, or other 

 sharp instruments. Bullet wounds are also included in this class. 

 Practically all wounds cause more or less bleeding, or hemorrhage. 



Treatment. Treatment differs according to the amount of 

 hemorrhage. The blood may come from veins or from an 

 artery. When it comes from a vein the flow is steady ; when 

 it comes from an artery the blood comes forth in jets and is of 

 a bright red color. If there is much bleeding a doctor should be 

 called immediately. In the meantime, pending his coming, if the 

 hemorrhage is not severe the wound should not be touched by 

 the hands of any one, not even by the sufferer himself, and no 

 unsterilized cloth or other object should come in contact with it, 

 since there is always danger of infection. Clothing about the 

 wound should be turned back to avoid contact. Exposure to the 

 air does not cause infection. Iodine, if available, should be used 

 to paint all parts of the wound readily reached, and if possible 

 a sterilized bandage should be placed on it. This will prevent 

 infection and in most cases will also stop the hemorrhage. 



