FIRST-AID METHODS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 64, 27 February 1935, Page 11

FIRST-AID METHODS

Artificial Respiration When natural breathing has ceased, owing to an accident, it is imperative to try artificial incans to restore breath ing at once. Stoppage of natural breathing may he caused by: 1. Asphyxia duo to Immersion iu water. 2. Obstruction of tho windpipe, by means of a small object. 3. Strangulation or hanging. 4. Breathing of poisonous gases. It is well to know that many persons who appear to bu dead after immersion may recover if breathing can be started again through artificial respiration. In children, a button, or a marble, er even a lollie, may cause obstruction. In adults, a piece of meat, a lump of sugar, etc., may cause a stoppage, and choking. Suicide attempted by means of hanging and partially suceesslul, causes strangulation. The breathing or poisonous gases, as for example, from motor-car exhausts, causes asphyxia. All these accidents should be dealt with by artificial respiration. In the case of obstruction of tbo wind-pipe, loosen the clothes about the neck, lean the patient's head forward, and thump the back. If it is a child, hold him upside down and thump the back, or put a finger into his mouth ami curl it downwards towards the gullet. You may thus dislodge the obstruction. In all other cases, first loosen the clothing round the neck, chest ant abdomen. Make sure if there are any false teeth in the mouth, and remove them, then place the head and neck slightly higher to allow free passag" for the air (lay the patient face down and with head turned to one side). Never bend the chin on to the chest nor throw the head right back. Carry his arms forward. Kneel astride the patient, facing his head Place your hands flat over the lower part of the back, one on each side, with the thumbs directed inwards and eiosc to the spine. Press steadily and firmly By this means air and water will be driven out of the patient's lungs. Thon relax the pressure anil fall back Io wards the heels. Air will now enter the lungs. Repeat 12 Io 15 times a minute, continuing until the arrival of an an. balance or a doctor.