LIFE SAVING.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 225, 23 February 1928, Page 1

LIFE SAVING.

HELPFUL HINTS TO SWIMMERS. (By “ Bronze Medallion.”) With the advent of the warm summer days, each year sees the rivers, beaches and other bathing resorts exact their toll of human life. Many catastrophes, too, are averted by the timely aid of onlookers, but there have been many cases unfortunately where the would-be rescuer has given his life in a noble effort to succour someone in difficulties.

While it is apparent that some of these drowning fatalities were attended by heart seizure or other circumstances, yet the evidence, as revealed to the daily jjapers, tends to prove that many of these tragedies could have been averted had the rudiments of life-saving methods and the art of resuscitation been more universally known. In respect to this it was indeed gratifying to note the enthusiasm of the Manawatu branch of the Royal Life-Saving Society, and the wholehearted co-operation of the headmasters and staffs of most of the schools in the Manawatu district. Only the atrocious weather experienced before the Christmas vacation prevented the necessary practice in the water from being carried out, though this will follow later. But with the land drill that has been carried out, great work has been done, and both teachers and honorary instructors are to be heartily* commended. No doubt the swimming clubs will co-operate by including demonstrations of life-saving competitions on their carnival programmes.

The following few hints for rescuing persons in difficulties are given for the sake of those who may not have had the opportunity of life-sav-ing instruction. An exhausted swimmer in difficulties does not present much danger or trouble. The rescuer should always use his most speedy stroke in going to his relief, as each moment counts. The method of rescue usually employed is for the patient to both hands on the rescuer’s shoulders, at the same time floating on the back with the legs apart, whereupon the rescuer is able to utilise the breaststroke in conveying the patient to safety. An alternative method is for the patient to place one hand on the rescuer’s shoulder and assist by paddling with the legs and free arm, while the rescuer employs any suitable stroke.

The case of a non-swimmer who is passive, may be met in one of two methods. In the first method the rescuer grasps the patient by placing the palms of the hands and the fmg over the ears of the patient, so as to make him float on his back, with the nose and mouth out of the water. Meanwhile the rescuer employs the back stroke. The second method for such a case is for the rescuer to place his left arm over the left shoulder, across the chest, and under the right armpit of the patient, when the sidestroke with his free arm and the legs is brought into operation. A person disposed to struggle increases the danger to both himself and the would-be rescuer. There are two methods taught for dealing with such cases. Where the person is not struggling violently the rescuer should grasp the patient from behind by both arms just above the elbows, turning the patient on his back and utilising the back stroke. Should the patient be struggling too much for this procedure, grasp him round the chest from behind by sliding both arms under his armpits and spreading them across his chest. The patient then floats on his back as before, while the rescuer again adopts the backstroke kick.

In cases of grave emergency to both the rescuer should exercise his discretion, and should the patient imperil both lives, the rescuer should have no compunction in quickly stunning or otherwise incapacitating him, then grasping him in any convenient manner and employing any suitable stroke.

A drowning person will clutch tenaciously even at a straw, and many lives have been lost through the patient holding the would-be rescuer m a vice-like grip. If grasped by the wrists, raise

both arms above the head, and quickly swing them downwards and outwards. Then turn the patient on his back and proceed as before. When grasped round the neck the rescuer should bring his left hand under the patient’s right armpit and on to his shoulder. The palm of the right hand should then be placed under the patient’s chin. A vigorous push of the right arm will break this grip or the forcing of the patient’j head under the water causes him to release it.

The rescuer may be gripped in a deadly embrace round both arms and body. In such an emergency the rescuer must work both hands up inside of the patient’s—the left on the right shoulder to obtain leverage, the right of the right hand under the jaw as in the second method. Then, after bending the right or left knee into the patient’s abdomen, kick out vigorously, at same time forcing the patient’s head back with the right hand. The patient should then be turned quickly on his back as before. The rescuer must always think quickly and always dominate the situation.

Should the patient have sunk in comparatively deep water just before the rescuer arrives, he must try quickly to ascertain the exact locality. As the lungs are being filled with water a few bubbles will come up immediately afterwards. When the accident has occurred in a stream the rescuer should dive in and continue his search just below the place where the victim was last seen. As cases of resuscitation have been successful, even when the patient has been brought up over an hour afterwards, this search should be carried out as diligently and as systemarically as possible.

There are several methods of resuscitating the apparently drowned, but that of Professor Schaefer is the one that has been proved the simplest and most efficient, and is therefore taught by the Royal Life-Saving Society. Immediately the patient is brought ashore, place him on the ground face downwards with his head on one side. See that no sea-weed or other foreign matter is obstructing the mouth, or nose. Place a small pack under the pit of the stomach (a rolled-up towel or .shirt will do). Then, kneeling at the side or astride the patient, place both hands on the lower ribs on either side Qjf the spine, thumbs nearly touching, and fingers spread apart. Lean forward, pressing on the patient’s back, counting slowly “ One, two.” Release rather suddenly for another two seconds. Again press for two seconds and release as before. Continue this method of treatment, making the intervals for expiration and inspiration coincide with the normal rate of breathing (15 times per minute). Persevere, as by this method patients have been revived after two hours’ seemingly hopeless endeavour. Pause at times to see if normal breathing has been restored.

Once natural breathing has recommenced strip off all wet clothing is soon as possible. The patient should then be rubbed vigorously with the hands or towel to promote circulation —but one way only, towards the heart, on the insides of the limbs. The patient, if still breathing normally, may now be handled in any suitable position, and dry clothing and blankets, as well as constant massage used to induce warmth. When the patient has otherwise been made as comfortable as possible, ho; coffee or other stimulant may be administered.

Onlookers may help the rescuers by immediately sending for a doctor, by going for dry blankets or clothing, or by obtaining any necessary comforts within their power. Do not wait to take off clothing before attempting to restore breathing, as every moment is precious. Never attempt to apply stimulants until natural breathing has been restored. Don’t crowd round rescuers and patient heedlessly but “Do for others, as you would they would do unto you.” When all first aid methods have been successfully applied, remove the patient as quickly as possible, preferrably to the nearest convenient homestead, where he should be at once put to bed. Apply a hot bottle (Continued in Next Column)

to the feet, and keep the patient as warm as possible. A little brandy cr other alcoholic stimulant may be safely administered, but if not available, hot milk, hot coffee* beef tea or similar beverage may be advantageously given. Complete rest, warmth and quiet observation will assist Nature to restore normal health. Wherever possible always obtain the help of a doctor as soon as possible.