The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-06-19
BY LEWIS C. ROBBINS

BY LEWIS C. ROBBINS
There is a correct way to do
everything and in performance of
artificial respiration it is important
to follow the method developed
from years of experience.
The system called the prone
pressure method of artificial respira-
ton" has been Endorsed by the
American Red Cross, the National
Safety Council, the Bureau of Medi-
cine and Surgery Of the United
States navy and many other organi-
cations.
The essential point in execution
of the system is the compression of
the lower ribs of the victim by the
operators hands, then the sudden
removal of all pressure. This gives
forced eXhalation and what is
called a passive inspiration.
Speed Is Vital
The victim should be hurried to
the nearest clear spot and placed
in the prone position, face down.
If there is a slope, the head should
be pointed down hill. This favorS
the drainage of water from the
lungs and aids the blood circula-
ton.
Since speed is vital, if there are
two persons, one should loosen
clothing, especially at the neck, and
remove impedimentS such as dirt or
loose false teeth from the mouth
and throat. Probe as deeply as pos
sible in the subjects throat with
the finger to clear away any i'm
pedimentS.
However, if the teeth are tightly
shut, waste no time in trying to
open them but proceed with the
artificial respiration.
Nose Must Be Free
A good way to realize the intense
agony the body is experiencing
from lack of air is to time yourself
while holding the breath for one
minute. In this short period, the
eyes feel as though they were burst
ing and the whole system cries for
air. What, then, must be the con-
dition of the subject after five or
ten minutes of asphyxia? So, for
his life'S sake, begin Immediately.
The following, with a few modi-
f1cations, is the standard procedure.
First, place the patient on his
stomach with one arm extended di-
rectly forward and the other bent
at the elbow. The face should turn
outward and rest on the hand of
the bent arm SO that the mouth and
nose are free for breathing.
Kneel StraddIing Patient
Second, kneel straddling one of
the patients knees, best that one on
the side to which the face is turned.
and grip the knee and ankle with
your knees and feet. Place the
palms of the hands on the small of
the back so that the heel of the
hand rests in the depression be-
tween the last rib and the top of the
hip bone. The fingers curve nat
urally around the sides, their til s |
just out of sight. The wrists should
be about four inches apart. (See
Figure -
Third, the cycle:
With elbows straight swing for
ward slowly so that the weight of
your body gradually is brought to
bear on the patient. The shoulder
should be directly above the heel of
the hand SO that the weight of your
body is bearing on the patient. This
takes two or three seconds. (See
Figure p
Keep Repeating Cycle
Fourth, now snap the wrists side
ways, swinging back at the time
to regain your balance. This SNAP
off" employs the elastic rebound of
the ribs to allow maximum inspira-
ton.
Fifth, for two seconds sit on the
heels to allow air to enter the pa
tents lungs as we'll as to rest your
self.
Sixth, repeat the cycle, allowing
from four to five seconds for each
respiration, twelve to fifteen times
minute.
Work in Easy Manner
Remember, this is a shifting of
weight and not a muscular exercise.
The arms must not be bent and the
body must swing forward slowly and
evenly, or the operator will tire
quickly.
1t is a common tendency to per-
form artificial respiration too fast,
and the operator must remind him
self constantly of this fact Or the
efficiency will be impaired
NeXt-The further treatment of
asphyxia and the method of apply
ing Heat.