ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES 295 



Keep the injured parts at rest and soak them in water 

 as hot as can be borne. Continue the treatment for several 

 hours if necessary, until the pain and swelling have been 

 reduced. Cold wa-ter is often used, but hot water is better. 

 If prompt relief is not afforded, secure the services of a 

 doctor. A crippled or weak joint may result from lack of 

 prompt and proper treatment of a sprain. 



407. Asphyxia, or Suffocation. The chief dangers from 

 poisoning by noxious gases come from the fumes of burn- 

 ing coal in the furnace, stove, or range ; from blowing 



FIG. 186. 



Showing how a pillow, an inside coat, a " sweater," or a blanket may be 

 used as a temporary splint on a broken leg. 



out gas or turning it down and having it blown out by a 

 draught ; from the foul air often found in old wells or 

 mines; and from the fumes of burning charcoal. 



The first and essential thing to do is to give fresh air. 

 Remove the pe-rson to the open air and place him on his 

 back. Remove tight clothing about the throat and waist, 

 and dash cold water on the face and chest. As soon as the 

 patient can swallow, give hot coffee or hot ginger tea. 



Friction applied to the limbs should be kept up. If 

 breathing has ceased or is very feeble, artificial respiration 

 must be begun at 'once and the doctor sent for (Sec. 409). 



