LIFE-SAVING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21999, 4 January 1935, Page 13

LIFE-SAVING

Sir, —As one who has taken a keen interest 'in the education of the general public in matters pertaining to the saving of life from drowning, I feel that attention should be drawn to an article sponsored by the Department of Health that appeared in the Hkrald on* Wednesday, December 26. While applauding the department for endeavouring to foster the knowledge of life-saving, it is a pity it should see fit to suggest a prone pressure method of resuscitation that differs considerably from that advocated by Sir Edward Sharpley Scliafer, who originated this method, and which is so admirably described by him in the Royal LifeSaving Society's hand-book. The Schafer method is used and demonstrated on all the main beaches of this country by the surf life-saving clubs, and is regarded by the medical profession and the leading life-saving institutions throughout the world as the most up-to-date means of restoring animation in cases of asphixia, although carbon dioxide is often used in conjunction with it. The originator of this method personally contributes the instructions which the Surf Life-Saving Association use, and any other instructions issued to the public will only cause confusion and possibly endanger valuable lives. Such details as issued by the department differ in regard to position of the pationt, posture of operator and timing of movements, all of which are matters of importance. Not only do schoolteachers teach the Schafer method, but the Royal LifeSaving Society and the Surf Life-Saving Association spend much time and all their available funds in making instruction on the latest methods available to all It is to be regretted that the Department of Health still persists in using methods that are many years behind" the times. Allan Gardner. Chairman, Auckland Surf Life-Saving Association.