The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1883-09-20
Resuscitation from Drowning.

The following rules for resuscltatlng
an apparently drowned person are ap-
proved by the American Medical asso-
citation, and have been adopted by the
United States life saving service:
Rule l. To drain off water from
chest and stomach-1nstantly strip the
patient to the waist. Place him face
downward, the pit Of the stomach be-
ing raised above the level of the mouth
by a large, hard roll Of clothing being
placed beneath it. Throw your weight
fcrcibly, two or three times, for mo-
lment or two, upon the patients back,
placing your hands between and below
the shoulder bladeson each side, 80 as
to press ali huids from the stomach out
of the mouth.
Rule 2. To perform artificial breath
ing-Quickly turn the patient on his
back, the roll of clothing being 90
placed beneath so as to make the
breast bone the highest point of the
body. Kneel beside or astride the pa
TENTS hips. Grasp front part Of the
chest on either side of the pit Of the
stomach, resting your fingers along
the spaces between the short ribs.
Brace your elbows against your
sides, and steadily grasping and
pressing forward and upward,
throw your whole weight upon
the chest 50 grasped, gradually inereas-
ing the pressure while you count one
two-three then suddenly let 60, with
a final push, which springs you back
to your first position. Rest erect upon
your kne. while you count one-two.
Then make pressure again as before,
repeating the entire motions at first
about four or five times a minute,
gradually increasing to about ten or
twelve times. Use the same regularly
as in blowing bellows, and as is seen
in natural breathing, which you are
initiating. If another person be
present, let him, with one hand, by
means of a dry piece Of linen,
hold the tip Of the tongue out Of one
corner of the mouth, and with the
other hand grasp both wrists and pin
them to the ground above the patients
head.
Rule 8. After treatment-After
breathing has become natural dry the
patient quickly; +; CT if it can be accom-
plished without interfering with the
immediate efforts to restore breathing,
this may be done previously by a
second assistant. Wrap the patient in
blankets only; let him be kept per-
fectly quiet. Take the precaution to
provide free circulation Of air within
the room.
Additional suggestions: 1.-Avoid
delay. A moment may turn the scale
for life or for death. Dry ground,
shelter, stimulants, etc, at this mo-
ment are nothing; artificial breathing
is everything-is the one remedy; all
other means are secondary. If the
breathing has but, just CEASED, a smart
slap on the face or stomach will some
tin es start it again. and may be tried
Incl .entally.
2. Prevent the crov'ding Of friends
around the patient, and thus excluding
currents of air; also from attempting
to administer any stinulant before the
patient is breathing regularly and
is well able to swal. .oW;. the first pro-
NOTES suffocation; the second fatal
choking.
8. DO not be impatient, Of results.
Any time within two hours you may
be on the very threshold Of success
without there being any sign Of it.
There are instances on record where
breathing has been. restored after hav-
ing ceased for an hour or more.