The Goldfield news and weekly tribune. [volume] (Goldfield, Nev.) 1911-1947, 1914-11-07
Saving Lives of Miners

The Federal bureau OF mines some time ago appointed a commit
tee OF prominent physicians and surgeons to develop an efficient method
of resuSctaton o be administered by miners and other persons to a fell
w-workman overcome by electric shock or by gases in places which
cannot be reached by a physician o surgeon in time to save life. This
is in line with the bureau compaign to reduce the number OF deaths IN
the mines of the United States. As a result OF this committees report
just made, the bureau OF mines, through Director Joseph A. Holmes,
recommends the following procedure in rendering first aid to those In
need Of artificial respiration. The recommendations apply not Only to
men who aeo overcome by electric shock or gases in mines, but also to
persons suffering from the effects OF illuminating gas poisoning or from
electric shock anywhere. The recommendations are, therefore, of inn
portance to many thousands of workmen:
In case of gas poisoning, remove the victim 1t once from the gaseous
atmosphere. Carry him quickly to fresh air and Immediately give man
ul artificial respiration. Do not stop to loosen clothing: Every mo-
ment Of delay is serious.
In case of electric shock, break electric current instantly. Free the
patient from the current with a single quick motion, using any dry
nonconductor, such as clothing, rope or board, to move patient or wire.
Beware OF using any metal or moist material. Meantime have every
effort made o shut off current.
Attend instantly to the victims breathing. Ii the victim is not
breathing, he should be given manual artificial respiration at once.
If the patient is breathing slowly and regularly, do not give arthh-
ca1 respiration, but let nature restore breathing unaded.
In gas cases, give oxygen. If the patient has been a victim of gas,
give him pure oxygen, with manual artificial respiration.
The oxygen may be given through i breathing bag from a cylinder
having a reduction value with connecting tubes and face mask, and with
an respiratory valve and al exploratory valve, of which the latter COM
municates directly with the atmosphere.
No mechanical artificial resuscitating device should be used I'M
less n operated by hand that has II 10 suction effect on the lungs.
Use the Schaefer or prone pressure method OF artificial respiration.
Begin at once. a moments delay is serious.
Continue the artificial respiration. If necessary, continue two
hours or longer without interruption until natural breathing is restored.
If natural breathing stops after being restored, list artificial respiration
again.
Do not give the patient any liquid until he is fully conscious.
Give him fresh air, but keep his body warm.
Send for the nearest doctor as soon as the accident is discovered.
The members of the committee reporting to the bureau Of mines are
as follows: DR.. W. B. Cannon, chairman, professor OF physiology at
Harvard University; DR.. George w. Grille, professor of surgery at
Western Reserve University. Cleveland, Ohio; Dr. Joseph Granger,
professor OF physiology at Washington University, St. Louis; DR.. Yam
dell Henderson,, professor of physiology at Yale University; and DR..
S. J. Heltzer, head OF the department OF physiology and pharmacoogy,
Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.