NEW RESCUE METHOD

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 74, 29 March 1943, Page 2

NEW RESCUE METHOD

FOR USE ON BEACHES ROCKING OX A STRETCHER (0.C.) SYDNEY, March 26. A new artificial respiration method may revolutionise beach resuscitation in Australia, according to Sydney specialists. The method is described by Dr. G. H. Gibbons, in the British Medical Journal, as Eve's rocking method. Briefly, he explains, a patient is tied on a stretcher, which is pivoted about the middle on a trestle. The stretcher is then rocked up and down rhythmically through a total angle of 60 to 90 degrees 12 to 15 times a minute. This rocking causes a pressure of the stomach against the diaphragm, thus expelling water and air from the lungs and beginning the normal respiratory action. Advantages of the Eve system, according to Dr. Gibbons, are:—lt is much simpler and less tiring; does not need skilled operators; gives a prolonged respiration of much greater volume which is easily heard and felt; the patient can be stripped and warmed while rocking goes on; the method can also be iised for electrocution and gas poisoning, and is claimed to be a valuable alternative to the iron lung in cases of respiratory paralysis.