The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-10-27

to inches in width and yard in length;
one package of absorbent cotton, one roll
of adhesive plaster. one dozen safety
pins, galvanized wash bowl, soap and
towel, temporary splints for the limbs, a
litter, l cylinder of compressed oxygen
gas with inhaling mask; medicines other
than stimulants are not indicated. Two
ounces of aromatic spirits of ammonia.
with n small flask of brandy. are added
for the latter. The medicines and dress
ings may be stored in Il tin box with
tightly fitting cover, and the whole pro-
tectcd from moisture. After an accident,
the danger to be apprehendcd to those
who are severely injured depends in a
measure upon the length of time which
must lapse before medical aid can reach
them. This period varies from few mo-
mcnts to several hours, according to cir
cumstances. During this interval of
waiting, what is to be done? In some in
stances, nothing, in others, prompt ac-
tion must be taken to save life Upon
those who are present, or first to arrive,
devolves the duty of attending as best
they can TO the immediate necessities,
whatever they may be. The demoralizinG
effect of an accident upon those who wit
messed it is apt to be harmful in two
ways first, by causing delay when time
is the important factor, and second, by
melting too energetic attempts at rem
dernG assistance. 1t is therefore well to
remember that, however alarming the
situation, calmneSS and presence or mlnd
is all-important.
Undue excitement contributes to render
the chances of succor less certain, if not
impossible One who is competent to do
the right thing whenever and wherever
such service is imperative eNerts an in
fluence most assuring and helpful to those
in peril, and to those who must assist in
their care. Gentleness without timidity
Is of inestmabe value in this service,
under all conditions.
In caring for the injured there are GER
tain things to do. applicable in all cases.
We begin by placing the individual in a
rccumbcnt and easy position, and pro-
cccd to loosen the clothing about the neck
and chest, and If the patient is able to
swallow and there is no excessive bleed
ing, external or internal from wounds or
conclusions, a moderate amount of whis-
key or aromatic spirits of ammonia may
be given, as a temporary stimulant. II
stunned and unconscious no attempt TO
give fluids by the mouth should be made,
owing to the liability of their entering the
windppe and causing suffocation. Cold
water may with advantage be sprinkled
upon the face to excite effort at breath
ing. Friction applied to the eXtrcmties,
being careful to select those which are un-
injured is IA healthy measure. Heat ap-
piled externally is good when the surface
of the body is cold and the circulation
feeble. When reaction has become os-
rablished the limbs should be examined,
one by one, and in the same careful man
ner the chest, abdomen and head In this
way the injuries cannot fail to be noted.
When there is dangerous hemorrhage
caused by wounds and faintingS from loss
of blood enSues, appropriate means to
control 1t must be employed promptly, To
arrest bleeding, different methods are em-
poyed, all more or less mechanical Pres
sure is the readiest and most effective
means for the temporary control in ur-
gent cases. To apply the fingers over
the course of an artery and compress it
sufficiently to shut onff the current of
blood requires but an instant, and this
advantage i'm time is not to be overlooked,
especially when large vessel is wounded.
Troublesome bleeding from wounds in
the palm of the hand is effectually
checked by similar methods. Disital COM
preston of the large arteries of the thigh
is more difficult owing TO the large mass
of muscles by which ii is surrounded.
The limb should be elevated and small.
firm pad placed over the artery, then
handkerchief or piece OF rope is made to
| encircle the limb over the pad. sharp
stick introduced into the loop and twist
ed upon itself until the bleeding is eff
fectually controlled.
Cold is an effective means of checking
oozing from small twigs of arteries or
veins. Ice, snow or cold water is placed
in contact with the bleeding surface.
Heat is equally serviceable, and is applied
by means of congresses dipped In hot
water. In deep wounds, when the source
of bleeding is obscure and the condi-
tion of the patient is critical, packing the
wound with strips of gauze or with alb
sorbent cotton Is permissible. After re-
moving blood clots, the gauze or cotton
is forced into the bottem of the wound
and the cavity filled and bandage firmly
applied to the parts. In these manipu-
lations absolute cleanliness Is to be In