ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES 283 



bad matters worse. A dash of cold water in the face will 

 sometimes assist recovery. 



389. Sunstroke and Heat Exhaustion. The main thing 

 in sunstroke is to lower the temperature. Strip off the cloth- 

 ing. Apply chopped ice, wrapped in flannel, to the head. 

 Rub ice over the chest and place pieces under the armpits 

 and at the sides. If there is no ice, apply an abundance 

 of cold water to the head and neck. Sheets or cloths wet 

 with cold water may be used. 



If the skin is cold, moist, or clammy, and the pulse weak, 

 the trouble may be due to heat exhaustion. Give plenty of 

 fresh air, but apply no cold to the body. Rest in bed is 

 necessary. Apply heat and give hot drinks. 



390. Clothing on Fire. Throw the person down on the 

 ground or floor, as then the flames will not tend to rise 

 toward the mouth and nostrils. Without a moment's delay 

 roll the patient in a carpet or rug so as to stifle the flames, 

 leaving only the head out for breathing. If no carpet or 

 rug can be had, use a coat or cloak. 



391. Burns and Scalds. Remove the clothing in cases of 

 scalds and burns with the greatest care. Do not pull off 

 the clothes from the burned places, but gently loosen them 

 or cut them away bit by bit with a pair of sharp scissors. 

 Save the skin unbroken if possible, taking care not to 

 break the blisters. The aim is to prevent friction, to keep 

 out the air, and to relieve pain. 



In burns caused by acids bathe the parts gently with 

 an alkaline fluid, as diluted ammonia or strong soda in 

 solution, and afterwards dress the burn. 



In burns caused by alkalies, as lime and caustic potash, 

 apply acids, such as lemon juice or vinegar diluted with 

 water. 



