HEALTH NOTES

Southland Times, Issue 20949, 5 December 1929, Page 6

HEALTH NOTES

ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION. AID TO APPARENTLY DROWNED. (Contributed by the Department of Health.) The advent of summer brings with it an irresistible call for indulgence in one of the most appealing and beneficial forms of exercise, namely, swimming. For the healthy child swimming under suitable.conditions is one of the best forms of exercise that he can practise. During midsummer no better way of spending the hot hours of the day can be advised than by devoting them to bathing and to learning the art of swimming* Not only are the muscles of the body exercised thereby, but the breathing apparatus is developed and the skin, with its myriads of fine pores and nerve endings, is purified and toned up. The salt or fresh water inadvertently taken into nose or mouth acts as a douche to the mucous, membranes of the cavities. Cases of enlarged tonsils and adenoidal growths are undoubtedly benefited by the tonic effect of saltwater. Swimming should not be indulged in less than two hours after meals, and a point of importance is not to stay in the water too long. As a means of saving life, swimming is invaluable. The annals of our country are rich with many records of heroism performed by some efficient swimmer. Its value and practical usefulness as a recreational activity for both adults and children should be encouraged. It should be the ambition of every young person as opportunity occurs to belong to a life-saving club where, from experienced members, the principles of life-saving and the right way of restoration of animation to the apparently drowned can be learned by demonstration. 9 Artificial Respiration. The following instructions for restoring animation to the apparently drowned apply also to those suffering from electric shock and gas poisoning:— When the victim is out of the water or free from electrical contact, or out of the poisonous atmosphere, if breathing has stopped, follow these instructions even if the victim appears to be dead. The method is the same for cases of drowning, electric shock and gas poisoning. Don’t try to use two methods. If breathing does not quickly commence, do as follows and send for a doctor :— (1) Quickly feel with your fingers in his mouth and throat and remove any obstruction to breathing. If the mouth is tight shut, pay no attention to it until later. Don’t attempt to pry the jaws open. Do not lose a moment’s time. Start artificial breathing. (2) Lay the patient on his front with arms extended. Turn his face to one side so that the nose and mouth are free for breathing. Kneel astride or to one side, facing his head. Place your hands on the small of his back, one on each side' with the thumbs parallel and nearly touching. Bend forward and bring your weight to bear on your wrists; make steady firm downward pressure thus while you count slowly one, two. Bend backwards to ease the pressure while you again count slowly one, two. Continue this pressing and easing, counting one, two, for each movement until the patient begins to breathe. (3) As soon as this artificial respiration has been started, and while it is being continued an assistant should loosen any tight clothing about the patient’s neck, chest or waist. Keep the patient warm. Use blankets or clothing and possibly hot-water bottles carefully wrapped to prevent burning the patient’s skin, (4) Continue artificial respiration without interruption until natural breathing is restored, if necessary four hours or longer, or until the victim’s body is wholly stiff and cold. If natural breathing stops after being restored use artificial respiration again. Men breathing when brought out of gas or after electric shock may suddenly stop breathing. Watch your patient carefully and continuously. (5) Do not give any fluid by the mouth to an unconscious patient. When he is conscious he may be given hot, strong, black coffee. Keep him warm; keep him quiet and lying down.