58 THE VITAL PROCESSES 



Checking of Flow of Blood from Wounds. The loss of 

 any considerable quantity of blood is such a serious matter 

 that every one should know the simpler methods of check- 

 ing its flow from wounds. In small wounds the flow is 

 easily checked by binding cotton or linen fiber over the 

 place. The absorbent cotton, sold in small packages at 

 drug stores, is excellent for this purpose and should be 

 kept in every home. A simple method of checking " nose- 

 bleed " is that of drawing air through the bleeding nostril, 

 while the other nostril is compressed with the finger. 1 

 Another method is to " press with the finger (or insert a 

 small roll of paper) under the lip against the base of the 

 nose." 2 Where the bleeding is persistent, the nostril should 

 be plugged with a small roll of clean cotton or paper. 

 When this is done, the plug should not be removed too 

 soon because of the likelihood of starting the flow afresh. 



In dealing with large wounds the services of a physician 

 are indispensable. But in waiting for the physician to arrive 

 temporary aid must be rendered. The one who gives 

 such aid should first decide whether an artery or a vein has 

 been injured. This is easily determined by the nature of 

 the blood stream, which is in jets, or spurts, from an artery, 

 but flows steadily from a vein. If an artery is injured, the 

 limb should be tightly bandaged on the side of the wound 

 nearest the heart ; if a vein, on the side farthest from the 

 heart. In addition to this, the edges of the wound should 

 be closed and covered with cotton fiber and the limb 

 should be placed on a support above the level of the rest 

 of the body. A large handkerchief makes a convenient 

 bandage if properly applied. This should be folded diag- 



1 Nosebleed in connection with any kind of severe sickness should receive 

 prompt attention, since a considerable loss of blood when the body is already weak 

 may seriously delay recovery. 



2 Newton, Practical Hygiene. 



