The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-07-31

York is stripped of all his clothing, placed
upon bed prepsred.especially for such cases,
and is then bathed with ice water. Upon
his head is peculiar cap. about which is
packed crushed ice, and this is never allowed
to become exhausted. The principle is to
keep the head cool in this manner continu-
ously until death or consciousness comes to
the sufferer. The thermometer plays an i'm
portant part in diagnosing the case, as the
temperature of the body determines in
many instances the true state OF the disease
and of the chances for the patients recovery.
But DIR. Heron has a profound contempt
for ice water in sunstroke. as rabid hatred
for it as the Cincinnati Commercial cherishes,
but instead of prescribing whisky or beer he
scientifically explains his dislike, while Civ
ing his own remedy. He believes In the
greater efficacy of warm salt water, insisting
that congestion of the brain, heart and lungs
follow soon after the application Office water
but never after the use of tepid bath. In
explanation of his method he says at length:
My treatment is simple and good common
sense, and always successful. have never lost
case, even after excellent physicians have
pronounced them hopeless, and had used ice
and ice water freely.
In the first place, under no circumstances
whatever allow ice, ice water, or even cold
water to be applied to the patient, for the rea-
son that the congestion already taken place
VIII only be increased, and death takes place
II the patient has not a strong constitution
with good reactionary powers to overcome or
Withstand the ice water or secondary shock.
know of several cases, and have heard of
many where patients have recovered even
after the cold and ice water treatment had
been applied, but the head has never been as
clear as before and the memory impaired. But
never under hot water treatment have I
known any one to die. or any bad effect TO fol-
low, even after the most severe and seemingly
fatal case.
have been called to cases where have
found the person to all appearances dying. In
two cases the head of the patient was inn
beded in cracked ice, with ice water applica-
tons. One found with his head on a large,
square cake OF ice and the heat of his head
his ears.
l found one under a hydrant, nearly dead.
These, and many more, have saved with the
hot salt water treatment.
In all cases, cali in an intelligent physi-
clan; but If none can be obtained, make use
OF the following:
TREATMENT.
Under all circumstances and in all cases be
governed by the mildneSs severity of the
case. Apply hot SAT- water freely with a towel
or large rag or sponge to the patients head,
face, neck and chest, thereby relieving the
spaSm that has taKen place, and opening up
the veinouS system, allowing the blood to be
carried away from these organs as fast the
arteries can carry il there, thus relieving the
congestion and pressure which, if continued,
VIII surely cause death. AT the same time APP
ply friction to the eXtremities with the dry
hand. Slap The bottoms OF the feet and If a
very severe case place the feet in hot mus
tard bath. Nothing need be given internally
except in extreme eases; then give hot whis-
Ky, or if the patient is in the habit of using the
stlmu.ant give ammonia and water.
The physicians OF New York claim that
warm water fails to accomplish the proper
result. Dr. Heron disdains them, and adds
that he has saved when ice water has proved
nearly fatal, and the people now have their
choice of either road to the undertakes.
The question is one of veracity, the east
pitted against the west, cold water against
hot, ice against salt New York and Bellevue
against Cincinnati and DR.. Heron.