FIRST AID

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 105, 6 May 1927, Page 3

FIRST AID

HELP FOR MR. HILL.

THE TARARUA INCIDENT - ' /

The value of lessons in first aid taken under the auspices of the Eed Cross was strikingly illustrated when .Mr. D. Hill, a member of a search party, broke his leg iv the Tararua Banges recently. The accident occurred in a very pre-. cipitous part of the country, indeed, so rugged that the patient had to be carried some distance before a spot could be found where ho could be laid aat down and made comfortable. The injury was a compound fracture of the tibia (a bone of the lower leg) Such injuries are liable to septic conditions, aud under such trying circumstances tue patient himself liable to complication from lowered vitality through exposure. ■ .

For some years members of the Tararua 0. ramping Club, appreciating the value of a knowledge in first aid, haveattended classes of instruction in this subject, held under the Red Cross Society's auspices. Both Mr. F. W Vosseler and Mr. A. N. Smith, who rendered assistance to Mr. Hill, hold • th» three-year Eed Cross proficiency medallion in iirst aid.

The mishap afforded full scope for resource and initiative, two fundament tal attributes in the practical application of first aid. Some time ago Miv Vosseler consulted the society as to the most suitable first-aid kit to be earned on mountaineering trips, and, following advice, was, in a measure prepared for the contingency when it occurred. Splints were improvised from' short scrub in the vicinity, and every care exercised. Bandages carried were hardly adequate for the extensive nature of the disability, but were used with an Army field service dressing outfit. Before using the bandages tha searchers lit the mountain cooker and, sterilised the cloth used for cleaning, the wound by boiling it for approximately twenty minutes. After restoring the. fractured limb to its normal pos£ tioti, it was carefully bathed, dressed with .iodine, and the bandages applied The splints were then adjusted by way of rendering the fracture immovable' The patient was carried to a flat area having as much protection from the weather as possible. A tent was erected, and he was made comfortable. The success with which the knowledge of first aid was applied is showa by the fact, that, despite the arduous and trying journey, no serious complications have supervened/and the patient is reported to be making satisfactory progress. Mr. Vosseler stated that' his training in first aid had proved a great value to him on more than one occasion, and he was particularly keen that members engaged in trampine. should have a knowledge of first aij