The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1910-09-28
The local eject of the suns rays


striking the unprotected portions Of
the body 10 to cause redness and burn
ing and often blisters known as sun
burn The exposed parts do not even
have to be In the direct sunlight be
cause sun-burn can be caused by the
active rays Of the sun being reflected
from some smooth. bright surface a
from water. Hot winds may also cause
a condition similar to sun-burn.
The preventive measures against
sun-burn are Of course to protect the
surface OF the body from the suns
rays either direct or reflected. Don't
try to get tanned all during the first
day In tie field. at camp. or at the sea
shore.
The actual sunburn itself Is treated
as any other mild burn by applying
cloths wet In a saturated solution Of
sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) OF
some oil or ointment
The systemic effect Of the suns
heat or Of any artificial heat as in
furnace and boiler rooms. Is divided
into two classes called heat exhaustion
and heat-stroke or sun-stroke. These
two conditions. although resulting
from the same cause. are quite differ.
ent and must be treated In different
ways.
Heat Exhaustion.
The more common result and also
the less serious Is sometimes errone-
onsly called sun-stroke. It Is seen
more commonly in persons working
In the direct rays Of the sun. as farm
laborers. or soldiers on a march. but
may also occur from working in hot
and clsely confined spaces.
The. symptoms are dizziness. dazed
mind. not usually Inconsistencies.
the skin pale with q cold c!:mmy
sweat. respirations are shallow and
hurried. pulse Is rapid and weak. and
the body temperature is usually below
normal. The patient may be nau-
seated and sometimes vomiting oc-
ours.
The treatment of heat exhaustion
Is very similar to that of shock from
severe burns. keep the body warm
by wrapping in warmed blankets and
covers of some kind. and surround 1t
with hot water bottles. Stimulants as
aromatic spirits OF ammonia. brandy.
or strong black coffee may also be
given.
Heat stroke sometimes occurs while
working In the open and being ex-
posed to the direct rays Of the sun.
but It IS probably more often seen
where the person works In some en-
closed place where the heat Is exces-
sive. as boiler ROOM and stoke holds
of steamships.
The symptoms begin as dizziness.
nausea. headache. then unconscious.
ness. At this stage the face Is flushed.
skin dry and hot. and the body tenn
up to 10S degrees or over. normal
$50 dcgreesl. The respirations are
rapid ald noisy and the pulse is rapid
but full and bounding
Unless these symptoms are very
soon relieved the patient goes into a
state OF collapse and generally dies
within few hours. The symptoms
Of the stage or collapse are similar to
those of heat exhaustion bu: Of 4
more aggravated form.
To prevent this stage OF collapse ard
4 fatal termination, the patient should
be put in bath Of zee water or the
body rubbed with ice. An ice-cap
which can be made by placing pounded
ice in a lag should be placed on the
head. All this is to lower the TEN.
perature of the body and should be
kept up until II reaches about normal
(9S.6 degrees). II collapse has taken
place. it must be treated the same as
shock by keeping the body warm and
giving stimulants.
Both conditions. heat stroke and
heat exhaustion, are liable to occur in
poorly nourished and Incorporate per-
sons AMI in those doing hard physical
labor. One attack IS inclined to make
them more susceptible to the effects
Ct heat SO that they should always
take special care about exposing them.
selves afterwards. and should change
occupation If possible
Electricity Burns. Brush Burns.
The local effect of electricity Is that
Of burn and usually occurs at the
point of contact when an electric cur
rent passes through the body or a
portion OF It. Death may be produced.
however. by the shock caused and no
local manifestation be visible.
In order to prevent burns or acct
dents from electricity never take hold
of any wire while the current Is turn
ed on. 1t is advisable not to handle
any wire that Is strung close to line
carrying a high voltage. although 1t
may only have a weak current itself,
as there Is always the possibility OF
the wires being crossed at some other
place and the strong current being
transferred to the line on which you
are working. If any person has been
caught IL live wire" and rendered
unconscious. be very careful In remov.
ing him so as not to get shocked your.
self. II possible have the current