The Iola register., 1881-05-20
Pr0mptness and Self.cOntrOl in Sud.
den Illness.

1NSAsAy WI AOo0LAyS OuV ~ 40
worthy of notice that such results are
comparatively few if the attack occur
when at home or among those who have
the ability to keep their heads cool and
clear whatever of pain or alarm their
hearts may have to contend with. Most
cases of sudden, almost instantaneous,
death occur when the sufferer is alone,
unable to summon prompt attendance,
or in the streets, or public assembly,
or in some similar position, where indi-
cations of such an event will cause
tumult, confusion or uncomfortable ex-
citement. On such occasions the spec
tators are unbounded in their indica-
tions of real kindness and sympathy, but
mostly lack calmness and self-control;
or, mistaking the cause of the attack,
especially if inexperienced in the care of
the sick; but Jealous to do something,
they often administer the wrong rene
dies, and by so doing hasten the catas-
trophe that by proper treatment might
have been averted. No doubt many are
stricken down and die who could have
been easily saved if some friend had
been near who understood their liability
to acute ailments and was able to hold
himself quiet and steady.
When a person faints, every effort
should be made to disperse the crowd
that will be likely to gather close about
the patient. One, or at the most two,
are all that can act to any good purpose.
Lay the patient down, secure large
supply of fresh air, bathe the face
in cold water, or sprinkle the face
with a sudden dash, not to deluge
the patient, but to start circulation
quickly by the shock of the cold water
on the face. Apply cologne; or harts-
horn, but not in rash, impetuous man
ner. Act rapidly, but calmly and qui-
city, with no loud talking, or quick,
frightened exclamations. Everything
of this kind must be avoided, for the re-
turn to consciousness in fainting may be
instantaneous, and usually is, and any
such excitement will be injurious, and
may cause the patient, if nervous or
easily alarmed, to relapse into another
fainting condition, which will be more
difficult to manage than the first. Rub
or slap the hands quickly, bathe the face
freely in cold water, and after dash the
water sharply over the face from the wet
hands. In common cases recovery from
fainting fits is not difficult, but unless it
is speedy send for physician at once,
while the attendants continue their ef-
forts actively until he comes. It is safer
to summon medical aid when there IS
any delay, because there may be more |
serious state of things than is apparent
to spectators, that physician could |
easily detect and for which he is more |
to find remedy.
But it is not always safe when a per-
son falls, apparently insensible, to treat
the case as faint. Many have trouble |
with the heart, which is not necessarily
alarming if proper al eation is paid to
The symptoms at once But the two,
fainting and heart trouble, are so entirely
unlike that o mistake in treatment, If |
not fatal, is very unsafe and source of
some additional and needless suffering
TO those afflicted thereby, especially in q
room or public assembly.
In fainting the pulse is imperceptible,
The face pallid and rigid as the dead,
and all power of moving, all sight and
hearing are lost. But where the heart
IS the seat of trouble, the face, often for
= few moments only, is almost purple,
then becomes very pale, but not corpse
ike, blush tint usually underlying the
pallor. In all cases that have come un-
der our own immediate knowledge, the
eyes close firmly, as if glued down, the
tongue refuses to speak, but the hearing
and perfect consciousness are unnatural
y acute, although the limbs refuse to
perform their duty. The blood rushes
10 the heart faster than the lungs and
brain can pump it out, the veins on the
neck seem about to burst and the top of
he head ready to follow. If any one
IAN administer a teaspoonful of raw
whisky instantly, the attack can in most
Eases be almost instantly relieved.
In all cases of heart disturbance, nerer
attempt to lay the patient down. That
will fearfully increase the suffering,
,ven if it does not speedily end fatally.
Never put ammonia, cologne, or any
hing of the kind to the nose, or sprinkle
,old water in the face. That renders
still more difficult. Never fan
} person thus afflicted. It will stop the