The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1879-05-14
Bruises, Sprains, Fractures.


Wegroup these classes of Injuries under
the same heading because they frequently
complicate each other in the same acct
dent, sometimes all three being caused
by the same misfortune.
Again, those having the care Of the I'M
fortunate M immediately after an acci-
dent are generally unable to tell which
form of injury they have to deal with,
and therefore need to know what rene
dies are suited to either class of INJURIES
and, at the same time, what will not 90
harm to any of them.
Bruises may be produced on any part
of the body-are caused by the bodys
coming in contact, more or less 1orclplS,
with some external body-and are al
ways found in the vicinity of the point
of contact.
Sprains most frequently occur ut or near
the ankle, knee or wrist joints, n are
generally caused by Indirect force aPpiled
to the extremity Of the limb injured.
Fractures are more apt to be found a few
inches from the joints, though they are
often found near or to extend INTO tlle
Joints. Sometimes they are located ut
the site of injury (whcn the violence OF
the accident is great), though generally
they are found like Sprains ut some DIS
lance from the point of contact-;ls "uen
Il person falling strikes his hand against
tic ground and fractures his arm near
the elbow.
The first thing to be done wnen any
one or two of the above conditions occur
as the result of an accident, IS to place
the sufferer in rs comfortable Il position
rs possible. where he can have plenty OF
fresh air and perfect quiet. 1t Is OF the
utmost importance that all unnecessary
persons should be kept out of sight, as
not only do they vitiate the air, but by
their presence they increase the shock
through which the injured one is pts-
sing. 0Iffaint the head should be placed
rs low as the resi- of the body, II some
cold water sprinkled fOrcibly in the face.
Stimulants should not be given unless
the shocki 5 very severe, and then they
should be administered with care, rs nj
stimulants tend to increase the state of
reaction, which is sure to come on in u
short time, and which state, unless con-
trolled, is apt to run into inflammation.
When 4 bone in the cXtremltles IS
broken. q Joint sprained, or Il tendon
strained, it will generally give relic
(and can do ne harm) to have the limb
stretched as hard rs possible by manual
strength in the natural direction of the
limb. Then, place pieces Of single,
covered with soft material if possible, on
either side of the limb and bind pretty
Snugly. This will specially give relief
when it is necessary to remove the patient
some distance. Should the injured limb
prove to be = lower extremity the other
limb makes an excellent splint. fit is
an arm place it in Il sling, which gives
great relief even when the injury is near
the shoulder. Broken ribs are best splint-
ed by means Of broad band tightly pin
ned around the chest. When you are
sure that you have a sprain alone to deal
with let the joint be placed as soon as
possible in q pail Of hot water, as hot as
can be easily borne, and let hotter water
be added from time to time, being careful
not to scald the limb.
When a fracture exists cold water
should be applied; and if great heat and
swelling supervenc ice may be added to
the water, and the water be caused to
trickle over the injured part.
Laudanum may be added to the lotion
which is applied to relieve the pain, and
witchhazel, arnica. or wormwood and
vinegar are excellent to stop the swelling
of the parts.-W. II. Vail, IL. D..