Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1912-12-09
LIFE.sAyINa IMPORTATION.

Z Electricity is in such general use in Delaware
- in these days that every Delawarean should know
what TO do to the life OF a person who has
shocked accidentally by electric current 1t speaks well
for the National Electric Light Association OF New
York that it has begun campaign education along
those lines by the Of a chart and pocket pamphlet
The subject matter is based upon investigations made
by several scientific bodies and a Commission
Resuscitaton from Electric Shock
Three problems considered by the commission
The first what the layman is to do when he finds
a person who has been shocked and Who apparently
is dead. The commission disposed Of that problem in
a highly satisfactory manner The second problem
to devise special mechanical devices for continu
ing artificial respiration and the possible invention Of
simple, effective apparatus the action Of which might
be learned quickly and easily 1t is the opinion of the
commission that It has found such device Or. s.
]. Metzer head of the Department OF Physiology and
Pharmacology in the Rockefeller Institute member
Of the commission, hit upon very simple means OF
obtaining abundant ventilation Of the lungs Of and
dogs and tests on human beings are being made. The
final problem TO devise to restore the ter-
ating heart 10 its natural pusaton. In short, the
scientists directed TO examine into the posi-
bility OF restoring life where all ntents and
poses, life had departed. That problem proved to be
hard and the scientists admit frankly they have
NOT yet succeeded in solving It. So far the method
of inducing artificial respiration is affected however
the commission has decided upon the Of action
that should be pursued and every Delawarean should
tunity to human life may occur as result Of that
hrst-aid knowledge.
The commission says the first idea when person
is unconscious from shock break the circuit imme
diately. and break it without his receiving shock.
This should be done with single quick movement
The commission finds this point: use dry coat
a dry rope a dry stick board any other dry nom
conductor. Beware of using metal any moist ma
teral" The should use only one hand, if the
aid can be practically administered, and he is adj
vsed against touching the soles heels of the victims
shoes while contact because Of the nails in his Shoes
Rubber gloves rubber cloths form the best protee-
ton while handling a victim of shock, but il there is
no time to get these dry cloth will answer If the
victim is conducting the current to ground and is con-
vulsively cutchng the live conductor it may be cas-
Ter TO shut off the current by lifting him than to leave
him on the ground and try to break his grasp. The
commission recommends opening the nearest switch
il that is the quickest way to break the
circuit II necessary to cut live wire use an axe or
Ratchet with dry wooden handle, pair of properly
insulated pliers OF course, at the very outset doc
tor should be sent for.
Once the victim has been freed from contact, the
work Of resuscitaon begins. The old method of lay
my person on his back and working his arms back
and FORTH has been discarded by presenday scientists
Instead they recommend the Schafer or prone pres
sure" method Of artificial respiration The subject is
stretched his belly with arms extended as straight
forward as possible Any foreign substance, such
mouth and his tongue brought forward The rescue is
kneel, straddng the victims thighs and facing his
head The commission says: REST the palms of your
hands on his lons Ton the muscles of the small of the
back with thumbs nearly touching each other and
with fingers spread over the lowest ribs. With arms
held straight swing forward slowly that the weight
your body gradually brought to bear upon the sub
iect This operation, which should take from two to
three seconds. not be violent internal organs
may injured The lower part of the chest and also
the abdomen are thus compressed the air forced
out Of the lungs.
Now Immediately swing backward to remove
the pressure but leave your hands in place. Through
their elasticity the chest walls expand and the lungs
thus supplied with fresh air After two seconds
swing forward again. Thus repeat deliberately twelve
to fifteen times minute the double movement of COM
preston and release complete respiration in four
or five seconds If a watch clock is not visible
follow the natural rate of your deep breathing
swinging forward with each expiration and backward
with each inspiration That is all there is to 1t except
that it is be continued hours longer if
sary, until natural breathing is restored until a
physician arrives Even after natural breathing be-
gins careful watch should be maintained to the end
that relapse Do not give any liquids what
soever by mouth until the subject is fully conscious.
Those are such simple instructions that anyone
should be able to memorlze them and apply them quick
" in time of emergency 1t is a well-established fact
of persons shocked have died simply because those
them did not know what to do effect artificial
piration.