Omaha daily bee., 1902-11-09
AFTER RECEIVING A SHOCK.
How Victims of Accidental E~Iectrocu-
ton May BE Revived.

The Electrical World and Engineer is the
authority for the settlement that accidental
electric shocks seldom result in death unless
the victim is left unsided too long. OF ef-
forts at resuscitation are stopped too early,
as in the majority Of instances the shock is
SUFFICIENT only to suspend animation tempo
rarily, owing to the momentary and imper-
feet contact Of the conductors. and also on
account Of the resistance Of the body sub
mitted 10 the action OF the current The
rules given to be observed and promptly
executed with care and elaboration are as
follows:
Rule Remove the body at once from
the circuit by breaking contact with the
conductors. This may be accomplished by
using a dry stick Of wood, which is a non
conductor, TO roll the body over to one side,
or TO brush aside a wire, II that is convey
ing the current. When a stick is not at
hand, any dry piece OF clothing msf be
utilized to protect the hand in seizing the
body Of the victim, unless rubber gloves are
convenient. II the body is in contact with
the earth, the coat tails OF the victim, or
any loose or detached piece OF clothing, may
be seized with impunity TO draw ii away
from the conductor. when this has been
accomplished. observe rule two. The object
to be attained is to make the subject
breathe, and If this can be accomplished and
continued he can be saved.
Rule 2-Turn the body upon the back,
loosen the collar and clothing about the
neck, roll up a coat and place it under the
shoulders, so as TO throw the head back,
and then make efforts TO establish respira-
ton lin other words, make hin breathe),
Just as would be lone in case OF drowning
To accomplish this, kneel at the subjects
head. facing him, and, seizing both arms
draw them forcibly to their full length over
the head. so as 10 bring them almost to-
gether above II, and hold them there for two
or three seconds only. CThis is TO expand
the chest and favor the entrance Of air into
the lungs) Then carry the arms down &C
the sides and front Of the chest. firmly com.
pressing the onsst walls, and eKpel the ali
from the lungs. Repeat this maneuver Al
least sixteen times per minute. These ef-
forts should De continued unremittinglV FOL
at least an hour, or until natural respiration
is established.
"RuIe Sat the same time that this il
being done someone should grasp the tongu,
Of the subject with a handkerchief or piect
Of cloth TO prevent IL slipping, and draw II
forcibly out when the arms are extended
o0bNN NN N9A 80 0AO IL y IGNCQG NQEL
the ehest is compressed. This maneuvel
should likewise be repeated AT least sixteer
times per minute. This serves the doubl,
purpose OF freeing the throat SO as to per.
NIT air to enter the lungs, and also, by ex.
citing a reflex irritation from forcible con.
tact Of the under part Of the tongue agains
the lower teeth, frequently stimulates al
involuntary effort al respiration. To secur,
the tongue II the teeth are elenched fore,
the jaws apart with q stick. a pieoS Of WOO
or the handle of a pocket k=7e.
Rule THE dashing of cold water int
the face will sometimes produce a gasp an
start breathing. which should then be con
tinued as directed above II this Is not sue
eessful the spine may be rubbed vigorousl
with a piece of ice. Alternate application
Of heat and cold over the region Of the hear
will accomplish the same object in some in
stances. 1t is both useless and unwise |
attempt to administer stimulants TO n
victim in the usual manner, by pouring
down his throat"