SCOUTING FOR GIRLS 
175 
6. IVY AND OAK POISONING 
There are a poison ivy and a poison oak which are 
very poisonous to some people, and more or less so to 
all people. The poison ivy has a leaf similar to the 
harmless woodbine, but the leaves are grouped in threes 
instead of fives. The poison given off by these plants 
produces a severe inflammation of the skin. In the 
early stages it may be spread from one part of the body 
to another by scratching. 
Treatment — Wash the irritated surface gently with 
soap and water, and then apply a paste of soda bicar- 
bonate or cover quickly with carbonated vaseline. An- 
other remedy is fluid extract grindelia robusta, one 
dram to four ounces of water. Sugar of lead and alco- 
hol have also been found useful. For severe cases con- 
sult a doctor, especially if the face or neck or hands 
are affected. 
7. (a) FAINTING; (b) HEAT EXHAUSTION 
(a) Fainting is caused by lack of blood in the brain, 
and usually occurs in overheated, crowded places, from 
fright or from overfatigue. 
Symptoms — 1. The patient is very pale and partially 
or completely unconscious. 
2. The pulse is weak and rapid. 
3. The pupils of the eyes are normal. 
Treatment — 1. If possible put the patient flat on his 
back, with the head slightly lower than the rest of the 
body. 
2. If there is not room to do this, bend the patient 
over with his head between the knees until sufficient 
blood has returned to the brain to restore consciousness. 
3. Then get the patient into the fresh air as soon as 
possible. 
4. Keep the crowd back. 
