Notes on Sea Bathing, &c. 169 



This should not be attempted with an adult, In either the 

 body should be placed, as quickly as possible, face downwards 

 on a thick cushion formed by the coats, &c, of the bystanders. 

 This cushion should be under the chest only and the head 

 should hang down over its edge, the mouth being kept open 

 by means of any suitable bit of wood which may be at hand. 

 Unless, however, there be a spare pair of hands for this latter 

 object, it may be neglected. The main thing is to proceed at once 

 with artificial respiration. To effect this, the operator should 

 kneel astride the trunk and with outspread hands placed one on 

 each side of the back, make firm but gentle pressure, forcing 

 the chest downwards on the cushion. In the course of about 

 three seconds all pressure should be removed and the chest 

 allowed to fill by its own elasticity. After another three 

 seconds the pressure should be repeated, and so on, thus 

 effecting ten artificial inspirations in the minute. It will be a 

 satisfactory proof of efficiency if some little gurgling in the 

 throat occurs at each repetition. However discouraging the 

 condition may seem the attempts at resuscitation should not 

 be abandoned for a full hour, nor should they on any account 

 be interrupted by any slight evidences of recovery, for these 

 are often illusory. 



13 



