REMARKABLE LECTURE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 283, 25 July 1932, Page 8

REMARKABLE LECTURE

SWIMMING INSTRUCTORS SEE THE HEART-BEATS OF A RABBIT. SPECIAL APPARATUS USED. During a remarkable lecture by Professor Davies at the Sydney University more than 100 instructors of the Surf Life-saving Association considerably improved their knowledge of resuscitation of the app'arently drowned by watching the heart-beats of a rabbit. Suspended in a special apparatus and f ed with a solution of saline and sugar, the heart pulsed for an hour or more after it had been detached from the body of the animal. Any sign of weakening was counteracted ; by adrenalin, a dose of which caused ' the organ to beat with renewed vigour. Professor Davies was emphasising the fact that even after circulation and breathing have eeased in an apparently drowned person the heart, may still continue to beat for some time, and it is this condition which has enabled so many persons to respond to treatment after relatively long periods of immersion. Quench That Thirst. "Persons who have been drowned virtually in salt water," said Professor Davies, "usually develop a strong thirst after revival. This is due to a percentage of the salt being absorbed into the system, and a certain amount of natural body fluid being pumped from their bodies, together with the water which was swallowed during the drowning process. Contrary to a common helief, this thirst should be satisfied without delay, preferably with hot liquids." Demonstrations were given also with a new apparatus known as the "Comox." I compi'ises a gas cylinder containing 5 per cent. carbonic acid gas and 95 per cent. oxygen. The gas is released into a rubber bag, and is inhaled by the patient per medium of a rubber tubs attached to a mask which fits over the face. The apparatus has been used with success in cases of coal gas poisoning and electrocution, and Professor Davies is of the opinion that it could be applied with equal success in "apparently drowned" cases.