FIRST AID IN THE HOME

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1069, 5 September 1930, Page 5

FIRST AID IN THE HOME

THE UNCONSCIOUS PATIENT There is something rather alarming in the sight of an unconscious man or woman, but a little knowledge of firstaid for such a case will help you to put away fear and use common sense. The first thing to note is whether the face looks chalky-white, blue, or highly flushed. Extreme paleness indicates a fainting condition, tile whiteness being caused by a lack of blood supply to the head. Lay the patient down, with the head lower than the feet, sponge the forehead aud behind ears with cold water, and, when you see signs of returning consciousness, give sips of water or some stimulant, and hold smelling-salts or burnt feathers to the nose. Often fainting attacks can he warded off by making the patient sit. down and put his head between his knees, thus causing a rush of blood to the head. In all cases of unconsciousness, loosen any clothing which may be in the least tight. if the patient is very red in the face and breathing stertorously, apoplexy is at once suspected. While awaiting the arrival of the doctor, make the patient lie down, keeping the head and shoulders well raised, as in this case it is imperative to get the excess blood down from the head. Cold wet cloths aud ice applied to the head will help this, bkt the lower part of the body should be kept warm with cov‘ered hot-water bottles. On no account should stimulants be given, as these increase (he blood flow. Blue skin, with insensibility aud twitching, usually denotes epilepsy. While waiting for the doctor, support the patient’s head, put a folded handkerchief between the teeth to prevent him from biting his tongue, and place him in such a position as to avoid as far as possible the risk of injury. Hysteria sometimes takes the form of unconsciousness, but generally there are preliminary symptoms of alternate laughing and crying, grinding teeth, and so on, the patient always carefully assuming a comfortable attitude. A douche of cold water will usually revive this insensible person very quickly.