The Little River news., 1921-07-06
First Aid Methods to Use
 in Drowning Cases

Many of the large number of deaths ,from drowning which occur during the bathing season each year could be averted by more common knowledge of proper first aid.
 The science of physiology teaches that the actual cause of death from drowning is the stoppage of the sup ply of pure air to the lungs, and that artificial respiration may often be en- ployed to replenish the lungs to the end that life is saved.
 In this connection advocates of out door recreation also are of the opinion that many lives might be saved through wider knowledge of first aid in cases of drowning.
 Principles of ResuscitatiOn.
 The following principles of resus> citation of drowning persons, pub lished from an authorative work on life saving, may prove beneficial to this end:
 "The first essential is to get the person out of the water and not a moment should be lost before com mencing the artificial respiration. In carrying the victim to shore do not have his face downward, nor his feet higher than the head. Loosen the clothing around the neck and chest. See that the throat and mouth are clear of any mucous, sea-weed or other material, so that the air may pass in and out freely; then lay the body face down. The rescuer should then stand astride the victims body and, Meaning forward mould grasp him with both hands under the waist He should tlren straighten up, thereby lifting the center of the body from the ground, the arms and .legs remaining on the ground. In this position a slight shaking will force the water from the lungs, stomach, and throat. After moment of this shaking, lay the body on the ground in position for performing artificial respiration. Always work where there is plenty of fresh air and if there is a crowd of spectators be sure to keep them well back from the victim.
 Atificial Respiration Method.
 "The Shafer method of artificial res piration is to lay the victim face down. ward with the head turned to one side and the mouth opened. The upper arms should be put in position at right angles to the body. The opera tor should kneel astride or on one side of the victims body. He should place his hands fiat in the small of the vic tim's back, on each side of the spine with thumbs nearly touching, parallel to the spine, and pointing toward the head, and with fingers spread out on each side of the body over the lowest ribs. He should lean forward, and, keeping the weight of the body to fall upon them and so produce a firm downward pressure, which must not be violent, the object being to press downward toward the ground, in order to decrease the size of the chest cavity. By this means the air is driven out of the victims lungs. Then the operator should immediately swing backward, releasing the pressure rapidly, but without lifting his hands from the victims body. thus allowing the ribs to spring back and increase the size of the chest cavity. This pressure and relaxation is repeated by the operator as he swings his body forward and backward, 12 to 15 times a minute, without any pause.
 "The pulmotor is an invention that has accomplished wonderful results. It is an oxygen fed machine primarily