METHODS OF INJECTION. 



411 



When symptoms of poisoning have begun to appear, it means 

 that the poison has started its deadly work of benumbing 

 the nerve cells, or destroying the blood, or both ; therefore it is 

 imperative that there should be as little delay as possible in 

 bringing the serum into actual contact with it. Anti-venene 

 serum, if injected direct into the blood-stream, is considerably 

 stronger in its power of neutralizing the venom than if injected 

 under the skin. This must be carefully borne in mind. 



To medical men and others, experienced in the use of a serum 

 syringe, I would recommend that in all serious cases the serum be 



Fig. 158. — Injecting serum into a vein in the forearm. Select 

 one of the surface veins at the back of the hand, arm or 

 leg. Push the needle point into the vein along its course, 

 and slowly inject. Always inject the serum upwards in 

 the direction of the heart. 



injected direct into a vein. The vein in the forearm near the 

 elbow is a suitable one. Before selecting a vein for injection, 

 apply a temporary ligature to make the veins bulge. Grip the 

 vein between the finger and thumb to steady it, and carefully 

 thrust in the point of the needle. Always inject in the way the 

 blood runs, viz. towards the heart. Should a swelling occur 

 when injecting the serum, it indicates it is escaping into the 

 tissues. Remove the needle and try again. Another plan is 

 to use an empty springe, and when the needle is inserted, draw 

 out a little blood into the syringe to make certain the vein has 



