282 OUR BODIES AND HOW WE LIVE 



Make the sufferer comfortable by giving him an abun- 

 dance of fresh air and placing him in a restful position. 

 Loosen all tight articles of clothing, as belts, bindings, 

 corsets, and collars. Be sure to send for a doctor at once 

 if the emergency calls for any such skilled service. 



386. What to do for a Fainting Person. A fainting person 

 should be laid flat on his back with his head lower than his 

 feet. Loosen tight clothing. Give plenty of fresh air and 

 sprinkle cold water on the head and neck. Smelling salts 

 may be held to the nose to excite the nerves of sensation 

 and thus stimulate respiration. 



When the patient does- not become conscious in a few 

 minutes a physician should be called without delay. Re- 

 member that in all cases of fainting treatment should be 

 given promptly. 



Experiment 83. To show proper treatment for fainting. Select 

 several places about the schoolroom, and show exactly how a person 

 should be placed, supposing he has fainted in a crowded room. 



387. Epileptic Fits. Nothing can be done to stop epilep- 

 tic fits. Give plenty of fresh air. Unfasten the clothes, 

 especially about the neck and chest. Crowd a pad made 

 from a folded handkerchief or towel between the teeth to 

 prevent the patient from biting his lips or tongue. Do 

 not try to make the sufferer swallow any drink. See to 

 it that he .does not injure himself by falling against a 

 hard surface. 



388. Hysterics. Attacks of hysterics vary in extent from 

 an uncontrollable fit of laughing or crying to convulsions 

 not unlike those of an epileptic character. No treatment 

 is really necessary, as the patient will usually recover 

 promptly if left alone. Sympathy is almost sure to make 



