The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1869-01-16
The Rules and Method for Saving the
Drowned.

The following rules and method for saw
ing the drowned have been issued by the
Board of Health of New York, and we re-
publish them for the guidance of those who
may be called upon to assist III cases of
drowning:
Remember that the patient must be treat
ed instantly and on the spot where rescued
He must be freely exposed to the open air,
and all persons not needed for saving him
should avoid crowding about him.
Let the throat and mouth be cleansed by
placing the patient gently face downwards,
with one of his wrists under his forehead.
Quickly wipe and cleanse the mouth and
if the patient does not breathe, Immediately
begin the following movements:
P0Sture-Place the patient on his back,
with shoulders raised, and supported easily
by folded coat or some kind of pillow.
To Keep up u free entrance Of air into tile
Wmdpipe-.Let one person grasp the
tongue gently and firmly, with his fingers
covered with q bit of handkerchief and
drawing it out beyond the lips then either
hold it or press the under jaw (chin) mp so
as to retain the tongue protruling from the
mouth but it is better to hold it in that
position with the hand
To Produce and Initiate the Movements of
Breatti,eg-Raise the patients extended
arms upwards to the sides of his head, and
then pull them steadily firmly and slowly
outward and forward. Next turn down the
arms by the patients sides and bring them
closely and firmly across the pit of the stom-
ach, and press them and the sides and front
of the chest gently and strongly for mo-
ment, then begin to repeat the first move
ment. Let these two kinds of movements
be made very deliberately and without ceas-
ing until the patient breathes, and let the
two movements be repeated about twelve
or fifteen times in 4 minute, but not more
rapidly, remembering that to thoroughly
fill the lungs with air, is the object of the
second or downward motion and pressure.
This artificial respiration should he steadily
kept up for forty minutes or more when
the patient appears not to breathe, and
after the natural breathing begins, let the
same motion be very gently continued, and
let the proper stimulants be given in the
intervals.
What else is to be done, and rAat is not to
be dane uhen the 1nossn.ents are being made
If help and blankets are at hand, have the
body stripped, wrapped in blankets, but
not allow the movements to be stopped
Bystanders can supply dry clothing Ap-
ply..hartshom on feather within the nos
trils occasionally, and sprinkle or lightly
dash cold water upon the face and neck
The legs and feet may be rubbed and wrap
ped i'll hot blankets if blue OF cold, or if the
weather is cold. .....f ..
What to do uhen tue patieM begins to
Jreathe.-Give brandy by the teaspoonful,
or hot sling, two or three times a minute,
until the beating of the pulse can be felt at
the wrist but be careful and not give more
of the stimulant than is necessary. Warmth
should be kept up in the feet and legs, and
as soon as the patient breathes naturally,
let him be carefully removed to- house and
be placed in bed under medical care.
If there is help enough at hand when the
patient is taken from the water or after
wards let the nearest medical officer in the
catalogue (or any other physician near by
be called but let there be no waiting for {;
physician. Do the best that can be done
methodically and deliberately according to
the foregoing rules.