Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-06-28

The California State Board of Health has is
sued a circular respecting the resuscitation Of
persons supposed to be drowned, of which the
following Is a copy:
The season for deep-water, especially sea,
bathing being at hand, the state board Of
health issues the following advice and direc-
lions, which may be probably adopted in case
of accident By drowning. They are simple, al
ways available. require no delay, and can be
effectually practiced by any intelligent person
until medical aid can be obtained. Many lives
are annually lost by drowning through ignor-
ance on the part OF by-standers Of the proper
method of restoration, and many sacrificed by
the use OF inefficient and improper means. The
plan OF treatment is the "Diret Method" sug-
gested by DR.. Howard and adopted BY the New
] ork Life Saving Institution.
l. Instantly turn the patient downward, with
large firm ron of clothing under his stomach
and chest. Place one OF his wrists or arms un-
der his forehead, so as to keep his mouth of
the ground. Press with all your weight, or
with force proportioned to the age Of the pa
tient. two or three times, for four or five sec
onds each time. upon the patients back, below
the shoulder-blades, SO that the water may be
pressed out Of the lungs and stomach. and
drained freely out of the mouth.
.. Quickly turn the patient face inward
with the roll of clothing under his back, lust
below the shoulder blades, so as to make the
head hang back as low as possible Place the
patients hands above his head, where they NAV
DE secured by handkerchief or cord Knee
with the patient between your knees, and FIX
your elbows firmly against your hips. Now
grasplng the lower part of the patients naked
chest, squeeze his two sides together pressing
gradually forward with all your weight for
about three seconds, until your face is nearly
over the face of the patient. Then with push
suddenly jerk yourself back Rest about three
seconds; then begin again. repeating these bel
.ows-blOwing movements about eight or ten
times minute, for at least one hour or until
the patient breathes naturally. By these alter
nate movements foul air is pressed out of the
lungs and pure air drawn In.
The above directions must be used on the
spot the first instant the patient is taken from
the water. Lose no time. A moments delay
and success may be hopeless. Observe that
neither apparent death nor much delay i'm the
appearance Of the signs Of life afford lust
grounds for despair. Perseverance is often re-
Warded by success, even after an apparently
hopeless Proclamation Of insensblity. Act
promptly and steadily, following closely the
rules given. Prevent crowding around the pa
tient. Fresh air is essential. Should the pa
tlent commence to reathe be careful not to in
terrupt the first short natural breaths II they
be long apart. carefully continue between them
the bellows-blOwing movements as before.
After breathing is regular let the patient be
rubbed dry and wrapped in warm blankets. Az
soon as the patient can certainly swallow lit
tie warm spirit and water may be given This
should be done cautiously, lest the patient NAV
De chOked. After restoration, let the patient
be Kept quiet and sleep encouraged
The above rules are intended for adoption in
e case OF adults. For younger persons the
force applied should be modified to suit the
age. 1.-THE operator feeling his way as to how lit
tie or much he is doing. or may do, and reCu-
iating his course accordingly"