The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-06-16
FIRST AID TO THE DROWNING.
A Few Practical Things That Every
 Rather Ought to Know.

Rather Ought to Know.
 This is the season when First Aid to the Injured'' should be the textbook of the intending vacationist, and first of the first aids ought to come instruc- tions in regard to resuscitating the luckless bather who is unconscious or seemingly dead. Incidentally, 1t is good idea to know what to do if ones self is in danger of drowning.
 In the latter case, if you have gone beyond your depth and cannot swim, the first thing is to say and feel, Mouth up, hands down!' Turn in- stantly on the back. throwing the head backward so as to elevate the chin and keep the water out of your mouth. Keep the lungs full by taking deep breaths and exhaling only when com pelled to do so, and then let the ex- halation be as rapid as possible. Keep ing the hands under water will assist the body to float, but to wave them in the air is fatal. One who cannot swim should never go into the water with out briefly running over these rules in his mind.
 When trying to save another from drowning the swimmer should be care full to approach him from behind, otherwise he is likely. in his terror, to clutch his rescuer around the neck and perhaps drag both down to death. If he is not frantic through fear he may be directed to clasp his hands behind your neck, so that you can swim with him in front of you, which Is much easier. or he may put his hands on your shoulders, behind you, leaving you perfectly free.
 If the person seems to be dead when brought to shore. the first step is to Nf afS Aw~ nlA kM and stimulants. Then, without wait ing for their arrival, loosen the cloth ing about the body. turn on its stomach and lift, with jerking motion. several times, holding by the waist, so that the head hangs down. This empties the water from the lungs.
 Next turn the victim on his back, with a rolled blanket under his shoulders. letting the head touch the ground, and with handkerchief wrap ped around the finger. wipe out the mouth and back of the throat.
 If breathing has not begun by this time apply smelling salts to the nose if any are at hand or tickle the nose with a feather or straw. or dash cold water on the chest, or slap the chest smartly with the open hand. If these simple means fail. artificial respiration must be tried.
 Placing the patient on his back as before directed. draw the tongue for- wsrd, out of the mouth. A bystander can hold 1t with handk srchief or other dry cloth. If only the rescuer is present the tongue must be tied against che lower teeth. To do this lay the centre of a dry strip of cloth on the tor gue, which must be drawn well for ward, cross 1t under the chin, carry the ends around the neck and tie at the side of the neck. The best way, however, is to run a large pin through the tongue, about a half inch from the tip, leaving 1t of equal length above and below the rest against the upper and lower lips. This sounds harsh, but the patient is, of course, insensible to pain, and the tongue must be secur- ed or 1t will impede the breathing and prevent restoration.
 Kneel behind the patients head, grasp him by the forearms. halfway between the elbows and wrists and draw his arms up and over his head until his hands touch the ground be- hind his head. Hold there for two seconds, then carry the arms back un- til they rest against the sides of the chest, press the fore arms firmly down ward and inward against the chest, for one second. Repeat these two move ments at the rate of sixteen times each in a minute. until some effort is made by him to breathe. Wait a moment to see if he breathes again, and if not, renew the movements, but endeavor to time them by his efforts to breathe. Again resort, at this time, to ammonia, dashes of cold water and skipping until respiration is established. At the same time place hot water bottles or warm bricks along each side of the body and at the soles of the feet.
 Artificial respiration should be con- tinued for an hour and a half, even though there should be no sign of life, as life has been renewed even after that period.
 As soon as the patient can swallow give him hot tea or coffee or whiskey in hot water. in teaspoonful doses. and if there is persistent difficulty in breathing apply large mustard plaster to the chest.