xxi FIRST AID IN ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES 319 



227. Apparent Drowning. After the person has been 

 removed from the water, place him on a flat surface, 

 face down, and raise the hips just a little so that the 

 water may be removed from the air passages and the 

 lungs. Loosen all clothing about the neck, chest, and 

 waist. Then begin artificial respiration (described under 

 suffocation), and continue it for two hours or more, 

 unless natural breathing is restored sooner. At the 

 same time rub the body vigorously with the hands, and 

 keep it as warm as possible. When natural respiration 

 begins, hold smelling salts to his nose and give him a 

 little hot water containing aromatic spirits of ammonia. 

 Keep the person quiet and warm for several hours, even 

 after breathing has been restored. Remember you must 



1 i ) remove the water and mucus from the air passages, 



(2) restore natural respiration, and (3) keep him quiet 

 and warm, and all must be done as quickly as possible. 



228. Fits. A fit seldom proves fatal. When a per- 

 son has a fit, see to it that he does not injure himself. 

 Fold up a handkerchief and place it between the teeth 

 so as to prevent biting the tongue and lips. Loosen 

 the clothing about the neck, chest, and waist, give plenty 

 of fresh air, and, if necessary, sprinkle a little cold water 

 in the face or on the chest. Let the person lie down 

 and keep quiet for several hours, and, if possible, get 

 some sleep. 



Convulsions, due to an attack of indigestion, are not 

 uncommon among children. In case of a convulsion give 

 the child an emetic at once. Immerse the feet and legs 

 or even the entire body in hot water, and bathe the head 



