Restoring the Apparently Drowned.

Manawatu Herald, 13 April 1897, Page 2

Restoring the Apparently Drowned.

BY GORDON STABLES, M.D., B.N. I think that, in a sea-girt land like our own, it is really a pity, not to say a shame, that illustrated lectures— with a living subject — are not given at every watering-place. It is all very well to put up bills at such resorts. The people will not read them, and if they did they would not understand them. But tha rules are so simple that a child could comprehend them. Here I give Sylvester's method, or rather a brief synopsis of it, its indications being, remember, to restore the breathing, and afterwards induce warmth and circulation. First, place the patient on his back on an almost flat surface. Raise and support head and shoulders on a folded jacket or coat, removing any tight clothing or neckerohief that may be worn. Secondly, the moutb and nostrils are to be wiped, the mouth opened, and tongue drawn well forward. If anyone has an elastic band.'this should be plaoed around the tongue and chin, but it is most essential that the tongue should be drawn well out, else it will close the glottis and inspiration will ba impossible. The operator now crouohes or kneels afc the head of the patient, that is, the skull of the latter should be towards the chest of the former. Now tho arms are grasped and raised upwards and backwards slowly, till they are extended along the sides of the man's head and in a direot line with the body. Hold them there for two seconds ; this is an attempt to induce inspiration. Then slowly return the arms till they lie against the patient's sides, and press hard against these for, say, three seconds. This to imitate expiration. . These manipulations are to be continued perseveringly and firmly fifteen times in a minute, till a spontaneous effort of the patient to breathe is observable.