SCOUTING FOR GIRLS 
239 
middle of which the fomentation has been placed. By 
twisting the sticks in the opposite direction the fomenta- 
tion can be wrung very dry. Take it to the bed in the 
wringer and do (not open until ready to place on the 
skin, as it will lose its heat very quickly. Put a little oil 
or vaseline on the skin and apply the fomentation gradu- 
ally. Cover with a dry flannel and put wadding over 
that. A piece of oiled skin or oiled paper between the 
wadding and the dry flannel helps to keep in the heat and 
moisture. Hold in place with a towel or binder pinned 
tightly. 
Cold is applied by means of ice bags and by cold 
compresses. In filling an ice bag the ice should be in 
small pieces, and the bag not too full. Expel the air 
as from a hot water bag. Cover with a towel or a 
cover for the purpose. Never put the rubber near the 
skin, k may freeze if so left. Besides, the cover ab- 
sorbs the moisture that collects on the outside as the 
ice melts. 
Cold compresses are a common remedy for headache. 
Old handkerchiefs are excellent for this purpose. Fold 
in frayed edges, two or three thicknesses will be heavy 
enough, and have two, large enough to cover the fore- 
head. Wring one out of ice water so that it will not 
drip, and put on the forehead. Keep the other on a 
piece of ice and change the two applications frequently. 
When applied to the neck a dry cloth should be placed 
outside to protect the pillow or the patient’s clothing. 
Cold compresses for inflamed eyes should be of one 
thickness only, and a little larger than the eye. Have a 
number and change very often. Use a separate com- 
press for each eye. If there is a discharge a compress 
should not be used a second time. The discarded com- 
presses should be collected in a paper bag or wrapped in 
newspapers and burned. 
