Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-08-03
70 MEET ACCIDENT EMERGENCIES.
Seine Practical Adyics That is worth Rsmem.
besiaa.

and surgeons. what are termed emergency
lectures; the design being to educate the
people how to render Intelligent prelim-
mary aid to those who are injured before
n physician can be summoned. While
accidents are less common IN smal,er
cities and towns 1t is no less essential
that those living In such communities
should have similar instruction. that If
occasion arise the same informed judg-
ment can be exercised and CONSEQUENT
comfort given.
or course IT Is not anticipated that more
than general principles and easily re-
membered anatomical landmarks, which
are of Importance can be readily learned
but there are so many things, simple of
themselves, yet often of infinite moment.
in emergencies, that everyone should
know what to adopt and how use such
means as are nearly always at hand 1t
is well known that ignorance in difficult
places Is always confused; while educa
ted judgment is resourceful in advice and
action.
The great variety of differences in in.
Juries necessarily requires that these be
covered. yet a single principle applies to
SO many conditions that 1t Is no great
task to remember the leading thought
that should dominate in the major part
of injuries. 1t is pretty difficult in small
places to excite sufficient interest to call
out the people to listen to repetition
Of abstract principles, but they will glau-
ly hear or read 1t if they are brought to
them. They are not averse to knowing
but lack of immediate necessity makes
them Indifferent to effort. This is an ele-
ment in average human nature To graf
ify this propensity, while at the same
time we indulge another quality in men.al
construction that gladly accepts what is
proffered, provided it is pleasant and
unitarian, ! have thought 1t both prac-
teal and humane to present in plain,
simple and brief manner as is consist
cnt with clearness. the things every one
should know and be bic to quickly exc
cute in accident emergencies. A knowl-
edge of principles that can be utilized at
the proper time and in the right way
may often save much suffering and quite
possibly. life itself.
Curiosity is inherent in human nature
and is always prominently manifest if
anything out of the ordinary occurs but
particularly so in accIuent cases. The
first impulse is to crowd closely around
the injured; not to help, but to crafty a
morbid desire to see the unfortunate suf-
ferer. The effect Of such crowding Is to
shut out one of the most essential and
efficient means for comfort and restora-
tion-pure air. What might prove a fatal
faint to a person thus surrounded would
not be, under favorable conditions. but
~ 10 Ia,
recumbent position, where air could cir
culate freely and the head put a nt,ie
lower than the body, that the blood can
be sent readily to the brain. If stimu-
lants are at hand. any of the alcoholics.
these should be given properly diluted.
In giving liquids of any kind, care should
be taken to put them carefully into the
mouth, unless the patient is conscious
and can swallow readily. The best meth
cd Is to put it in between the cheek and
teeth, allowing it to find its way
in small amount into the throat
to the outside of the epigottis, or en-
trance to the lung. thus avoiding the dan
ger of its entering the windpipe which |
might produce strangulation.
In the condition known as shock |
whether it results from bodily injury |
from sad, overwhelming news. or great |
fright in the presence of danger or wit |
Messing an accident, 1t is very important |
that the person should be put in a re-
Ginning posture, where there is plenty of |
air and quiet maintained. Cover them |
with warm wraps. and if procurabe |
place around them hot water bags,
warmed bricks or such other substance as
will restore warmth and circula ton Give |
stimuants with the same precaution al |
ready described. Shock is produced by a |
profound impression upon the nerve CEN
tres. especially the brain. and is known
by great pallor. blueness of lips and cold
be profuse cold. clammy perspration
covering face and body. Of course there
are varying degrees of shock, from a
simple, sudden impression to the most
grave and rapidly fatal: but in the main
the above description gives true pic
ture and the best means to meet the
The common accidents of fracture and
dislocation of bones hardly need descrip-
ton: yet If a person sustains either of
these injuries the by-standers often be-
come confused. and without stopping to
render assistance, rush off pell-mell for
half a dozen different doctors. While it
is desirable that early attention and cor
rection be given, 1t is not so important.
unless they be complicated by other in
juries: but that an intelligent layman
may give immediate and practical aid
that will minimize the pain until the ser
vices of a surgeon can be secured. If a
fracture, place the limb in its natural
position when at rest, and secure 1t by
some light appliance with anything that
will hold it firmly. such as handkerchiefs,
or any bandage that can be procured. If
a dislocation, try and hold the limb
steadily In that position that gives the
least discomfort by such devices as the
ingenuity of those giving assistance can
invent. A pillow or a folded coat or other
soft articles put under the arm in a dis
located shoulder will add materially to
ones comfort while they are being moved.
general rule applicable to all injuries
of bOny or soft structures Is to secure all
possible immOtility at any time whether
in transit or not, as pain promotes nerve
irritation acting disastrously upon the
whole system. In confused, lacerated or
incised wounds. secure quickly, If posi-
BILE. clean boiled water, and having re-
moved all forms of dirt or any substance
liable to infect 1t, wash of and battle