LADIES’ COLUMN.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1671, 28 June 1879, Page 3

LADIES’ COLUMN.

EMERGENCIES. [Prom the “Prairie Farmer.”] Emergencies are events that demand immediate action, In our rural districts, where so many noble men and women live, and where so many children begin to live and grow, emergencies will occur that test the ability of the mothers. Often the physician is miles away, when some accident may happen that demands knowledge and prompt decision. So wo will relate what may be done if any accident -should happen. “Emergencies” are more numerous than we supposed when we began to write _ a list of accidents that may properly be included under this term. We have thought it well for the convenience of our readers to arrange them alphabetically and limit ourselves to the smaller emergencies at the present time, and by and bye refer particularly to the larger ones. 1. Arteries are sometimes cut or punctured by children. The mother may distinguish this serious accident by observing that the blood does not ooze out as it does from veins, but gets out as fast as the action of the heart drives it to every part of the frame. Should this accident occur, pass a strong strip of cotton cloth about the limb that has been wounded; have it largo, so that its ends may bo strongly tied and rocm enough be left within the ring it forms to pass a rod two feet long or more. Place this ring above the wound and turn the rod more and more until the pressure on the artery checks the flowing of the blood. Hold the rod firmly until the surgeon may arrive. A boy we knew some fifty years ago sa w ed a younger brother’s life by knowing what to do in this emergency. Arteries conduct blood directly from the heart, and so demand, when cut, immediate action.

Bleedings from ordinary cuts are not usually dangerous if no artery is incised. The blood oozes out from veins in a moderate way. Avoid balsams. They do no good, but often a large amount of bam. They

hinder the healing of the wound, and, in delicate children, produce a dangerous sore. If the bleeding continues long—half an hour or go-apply a bandage lightly below the wound and around the limb. The veins are superficial, and so arc easily compressed and prevented from carrying upward the vital fluid. Then wash the wound with cold water and remove all dust, bits of thread, or other foreign substances If the wound is a long one and runs across the limb, pass strong threads of silk or linen from side to side, and bring the edges near 'each other. If brought near each other and kept in that position, the edges of the wound will stick together and leave a very narrow scar. If the wound runs lengthwise of the limb or body, bringing the edges near each other, and applying narrow strips of adhesive plaster may hold them so for ever. Mothers are apt|to apply plasters too near each other. A space of a quarter inch should bo left between them, otherwise the wsund may inllame and a bad sore bo formed. Stitches have their advantages over plasters. They keep the edges more firmly in the place and allow the wound to be daily cleansed. Bandages used for checking bleeding should be removed as soon as the wounds have been duly cleansed, stitches have been made and tied, or plasters have been applied. Bandages firmly drawn about the limbs should not long remain unless watched by a surgeon, or a mother properly instructed. Long compression may result in the loss of the limb compressed. The thing most worthy of attention in all cuts is checking severe bleeding. We have said how this riiay be done when the wound is upon a limb. If the wound is on the body, double a rag four times or more, and bold it firmly and constantly until the bleeding stops or the surgeon has reached the spot. A bandage may be brought about the body as about the limbs, A little care may be needed in removing plasters, or in withdrawing stitches. They both may bn removed on the ou th or fifth day, Nip the stitches. Hold the edges of the wound together and withdraw the threads. Raise the ends of the plasters and draw them horizontally towards the wound. Bruises and contusions are so much alike that we shall treat them in the same way. A severe wound of either hind is usually followed by a swelling, and discoloring o( the skin. Bleeding in bruises does more good than harm. Danger may be feared when the blow or contusion is so severe as to cause an effusion of water on the brain, or into the chest or abdomen. Bruises and contusions upon the head of children are often more serious than they at first would seem to be. The mother should watch the actions of the child who has received a wound of any kind upon the head. No ill results may appear for six days, or more. The force of the blow may have been extended upon the membranes of the brain, and induce congestion of that organ and severe convulsions. It is always wise to keep an infant still and quiet in mind and body for ten days at least after such an injury. Keeping it quiet will lessen the circulation of the blood in| the head as well as other parts ; noisy, active, plays will increase it. Keep the little patient still, amuse him in some mild way—keep him on low diet, and so aid nature in restoring health and firmness, if they have jbeen impaired. If the blow received js followed by vomiting and paleness, it indicates that the brain baa been injured, and demands immediate care. A warm blanket bath twice a day may aid nature in her efforts to save the child. In all injuries of th‘a kind—contusions, braises, sprains—in which the usual current of the blood is checked, very warm water does more good than cold. The latter impairs the circulation, lessens the size of the blood vessels, produces congestion, and so makes bad much worse. Anyone may realise by trying it, and cold water augments the sufferings from a severe bruise, or sprain, that are at once removed by applying hot water. A window fell upon the fingers of a child The mother plunged them into a basin of cold water. An older lady, hearing the severe cries of the little sufferer, advised that the fingers should be placed in very warm water. It was done at once, and the child ceased crying. They were kept in warm water and hot cloths for ten days or more, and were restored to their former shape and use. The injury broke some of the blood tubes, checked the circulation of the blood, induced swelling and suffering. The cold water increased the congested state, while the warm removed it. warm water is the proper treatment for bruises and contusions. Water dressing is a bitter means of cure and. comfort tlian all tnc balsams, ointments, and liniments in the world. NECKERCHIEFS AND COLLARETTES. [“Milliner and Dressmaker.”] New designs for fichus, handkerchiefs, and collarettes are of unequalled beauty, and show the greatest possible diversity in design and arrangement. The double neckerchiefs of silk or crepe are still used, but are gathered to the left side, and fastened with a long spray of roses or carnations. The newer styles, however, are of soft mull, slightly gathered and bordered with lace. These surround a high or square neck, and fall in square tabs in front, or are carried in the fashion of a fichu to the waist. They are always caught at the left of the bodice, however, with one large rose, or a cluster of small ones, There never was a time when the neck was dressed in so many charming ways. A coat bodice, for example, will be turned back from the front, and the with soft plaitiogs of crC-pe lisse, in which flowers always nestis. This decoration of flowers has brought back the fashion of wearing flowers in the hair, nor are they confined to full dress. Lace bows and jab Ats are also decorated with roses, to which are sometimes added loops of pearls. There is nothing stiff and nothing conventional in the arrangement of these accessories. The more graceful and the more easy and natural they appear the better.