CHAPTER XXX. 

 ACCIDENTS. WHAT TO DO TILL THE DOCTOR COMES. 



How to Stop Flow of Blood from Arteries. In case of bleeding 

 from an artery the blood comes in jets. Pressure should be applied 

 between the cut and the heart. To know where to apply the pressure, 

 study the course of the main arteries. By examining Fig. 32 it will be 

 seen that the arteries to the .arms pass down the inside of the upper 

 arm. Here they come near the surface. By putting a thick book or 

 roll under the armpit and pressing the arm down firmly, the artery may 

 be compressed. 



Bleeding from the Upper Arm. In case of a deep cut in the lower 

 part of the arm, a handkerchief should have a knot tied in it, and the 

 knot placed over the artery ; that is, on the inside of the arm just below 

 the armpit. Pass the handkerchief around the arm and tie it loosely. 

 Then run a stick through it, and twist till the knot is drawn tightly 

 against the artery. Instead of a knot, a potato, or anything else to 

 make a firm lump, may be used. (See Fig. 32.) 



Bleeding from the Neck. In studying the pulse, we found the 

 carotid artery in the neck. If a deep cut has been made in the upper 

 part of the neck, it may be possible to stop the flow by compressing 

 the artery lower down the neck. 



Wounds in the Thigh. The femoral artery comes near the surface 

 in the groin. Pressure may be applied here in the same way to stop 

 bleeding from a cut farther down the thigh. In the angle back of the 

 knee, pressure may compress the artery supplying the leg. In case of 

 severe wounds, pressure should be applied immediately to the wound. 

 Sometimes it is well to make a plug of cloth and press upon the cut. 



Bleeding from Veins. In case of bleeding from veins, holding the 

 part up may check the flow. If necessary to apply pressure, it should 

 be beyond the cut, instead of between it and the heart, as in the case of 

 the artery. 



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