FIRST AIDS TO THE SICK AND INJURED. 



cotton folded into four or five thicknesses, or a clean handker- 

 chief similarly folded, wrung out of cold water, laid smoothly 

 on the wound, and secured by a triangular bandage, as 

 directed. 



A poultice makes a softer dressing, but it is not so readily 

 at hand, nor so useful, as the water dressing for fresh cuts or 

 bruises. It is usually made from ground flax-seed, or what is 

 called linseed meal. Put sufficient boiling water into a bowl, 

 stir in the meal gradually, as in making porridge, until it is 

 the thickness of thin dough. Then spread upon cotton, and 

 put on a facing of thin muslin. Jhe chief feature about a 

 poultice is its faculty for retaining heat. It must be applied 

 hot, and changed as soon as it gets cold. 



A mustard plaster is made by mixing mustard with water 

 or vinegar and the white of an egg, and should be of the 

 same consistence as a poultice. Spread it on thick gray 

 paper, and use a facing of muslin. It should be applied not 

 longer than five minutes at a time. 



Fomentations are flannels wrung out of hot water, or hot 

 water and turpentine a tablespoonful to every quart of 

 water. Lift the flannel from the boiling water, and wring it 

 as much as heat will permit; then throw it into a jack 

 towel, wring well, and carry to the patient still enclosed in 

 the towel. Unfold and apply. Change every few minutes. 



In tying a knot, always make a "reef" or "sailor" knot, 

 which is a double loop, with both ends coming out, on one 

 side under, on the other over, the loop ; not one end on either 

 side of the loop, as in the " granny " knot. 



3. Haemorrhage. Bleeding may be from an artery, a 

 vein, or from the capillaries. If an artery is cut, the blood 

 spurts out in 1 jets with great force, and is of a bright red 

 color. Coming directly from the heart, the loss of blood is 

 rapid and the danger is in proportion to the size of the 

 artery cut. When a large vein is cut, considerable blood 



