GIVING AID TO THE NEARLY DROWNED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18938, 7 December 1929, Page 34 (Supplement)

GIVING AID TO THE NEARLY DROWNED.

METHOD OF RESTORING NATURAL BREATHING. (Contributed by the Department ol 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 swim ming 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 ap paratus 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 salt water 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 a record 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 live-saving and the right way. of restoration of animation to the apparently drowned can be learned by demonstration. 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 oat of the water or free from electrical contact, or out of the poisonous atmosphere, ii breath ing 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 anv obstruction to breathing. If the mouth is tight shut, pay no attention tc 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 fade to one side so that the nose and mouth are free for breathing Kneel astride or to one side, facing his head. Place vour hands on the small of his back one on each side, with the thumbs parallel and nearly touching Bend forward &nd bring your weight to bear on your wrists; make steady firm downward pressure thus while you count slowly one, two. Bend back : wards to ease the pressure while you

again count slowly one two Con ; tinue this pressing and easing, count- J ing one, two, for each movement until the patient begins to breathe. 3. As soon as this artificial respira- ! tion has been started, and while it is | being continued an assistant should j loosen any tight clothing about the • patient’s neck, chest, or waist Keep I the patient warm! Use blankets or i clothing, and possibly hot water j bottles carefully wrapped to prevent j burning the patient’s skin. 4. Continue artificial respiration ‘ without interruption until natural I breathing is restored, if necessary foui j hours or longer, or until the victim s 1 body is wholly stiff and cold. If natural breathing stops after j being restored use artificial respira tion 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, i When he is conscious he may be given , hot, strong, black coffee. Keep him j warm; keep him quiet and lying down.