HEALTH NOTES

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 138, 7 December 1929, Page 31

HEALTH NOTES

ARTIFICIAL RESPIRA-

TION

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 beter way of spending the hot hours of the day can ; v be ad.vised;than by devoting-some time to bathing and to learning tho art of swimming. Not only are Hie muscles ofcthe, 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 salt water. £. - S-wimming should not be irii'dulged;;iir : less itha-n two" "flours after : iueals/aiid'-.a' joint .of importance ; is not t-o-'-Btay.inytlie water too Jong... '" ' -■ '.: - 3 As,a means of-'saying life, swimming is invaluable; -.. The annals of our country are rich...wiih-many a- record" o£ heroism performed by.- some- efficient swimmer. Its value and practical use- ' :fulness. as a recreational activity for both adults and children 'should be en-.-couraged. ■ . If should be the ambition ; .or; every .youngv person." as opportiuiity occurs 4o<belong to' a,-life-saving club whereofr,om experiencecl-members, the principles of- life-saving and the right : s way.- of -restoration of animation to the' ■appatently..drpwned:can be learned'by .demonstration. :! ; ... '" ■■ .;. ' ARTiriCIAL RESPIRATION. The following instructions for restor- : rng animation fro ithe- apparently drown- ■ ed .apply als.o^o: |hbse' suffering from electric: ahock .and "gas" poisoning:— When th"c viotitn^-is pu.t. of the water or free from electrical contact, or out of the .poisonous atmospKetoif breathing • h?s: stopped,.;, fpllpw these instructions victim' appears, to be dead. The method -is cthe., same for ■ "eases; of ; drowning,..:-.eTeetric "shock, and gas pois- ?" 1? gt:-^Pon>t try~to<use two methods. lr ireaftAg-does not quickly commence, do as -fallows and send" for a doctor:— (1) Quickly feel with;your fingers in the mouth and throat and remove any obstruction to. breathing. If the moutli 1% \ e * shut> p?y no attention to it until later. Don't attempt to pry the .jawa.open. Do not lose a moment's """e-- -Start, artificial breathing. (-) Lay the patient on his front with side so that the nose and mouth are iree 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 -bnng your.weight, to bear on your wrists; make-steady, firm downward while' you- count sSj ,jme, two. Bena backwards to ease" there' Stw O W^ c l° U a^in count slow? *aXI C°ntm?le this pressing and casing,- counting one, twd for^ each movement until tho patient begins^t .-:-.(.*). .4? sog_n._as tiiis. 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 of longer, or until the victini'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. . '/{?) Do not give any fluid by the mouth tpan-.tinconscious patient; When he is conscious, he may be given hot strong,.black coffee. Keep him^warm- ; keep him:,qu^t and lying down.