EMERGENCIES 285 



handkerchief enough to slip in a strong, round stick. 

 This may be twisted around until pressure stops the 

 flow of blood. The stick may be kept from untwist- 

 ing by tying it to the injured limb. This is called a 

 Spanish windlass or tourniquet and by it one can get 

 great pressure. Holding a wounded arm above the 

 head will help to stop the flow of blood. If one of 

 the lower limbs is cut, lying down on the ground or 

 floor and supporting the limb on a chair or something 

 of equal height will be helpful. A physician should 

 always be summoned in case of severe bleeding, for 

 the judgment of an inexperienced person as to whether 

 an artery or a vein has been cut might not be safe. 



When companions are present, and the hurt is where 

 a tight bandage will not be effective, one should 

 thrust a clean cloth against the wound and press hard, 

 while another hastens for a doctor. If a person 

 receives a severe cut while out of doors alone, one of 

 the best plans is to press the cleanest cloth he has 

 against the wound and hold it there firmly until he 

 finds assistance. Of one thing we may be certain, 

 bleeding from any wound must be stopped, or our 

 wonderful river of life will be exhausted and death 

 will ensue. Instead of being frightened or fainting 

 at the sight of blood, we should have the good sense 

 to check its flow until some one can stop it. Pressure 

 will usually do this, if enough is used at the right 

 place. Bleeding from the nose may often be stopped 

 by sitting upright, bathing the he-ad and neck with 



