LIFE-SAVING METHODS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9092, 19 May 1908, Page 5

LIFE-SAVING METHODS.

LECTURE BY- DR. W. S. ROSS.

There was a very satisfactory attendance at the fust meeting held in the Dominion Hall last evening, under the auspices of the Wairarapa Amateur Swimming Club, when the methods of life-saving, as practised by the Royal Life-saving Society, were explained by Dr Ross. Mr E. Richards was in the chair. illustrated his address by means of charts, and gave a detailed description of the construction of the thoraxand lung structures. He referred to various erroneous ideas as to the initial measures to be taken in the restoration of suspended animation, and particularly one whi<h might appeal to any inexperienced person, that of literally endeavouring to empty the water out of a patient by holding him up by the legs. The lecturer then explained the correct style to restore a patient under the Sylvester method, namely, first to lay him on his side, empty the mouth and nostrils of water, pull out the tongue, and then lay him on his back upon a pillow, the position actions then being shown in detail. A special point was made by the lecturer on the question of after-at-tention, Dr Ross stating that it was highly essential that liquid stimulants should not be indiscriminately pound down the patient's neck soon after resuscitation was setting in, as se~ condary asphyxia was likely to occur and completely undo all the good achieved. Absolute quiet and the keeping of the patient in a recumbent posture for two or three days afterwards was also strongly advisable, and in fact absolutely necessary in many cases. The lecture was throughout practical and interesting, and those present, which included a number of ladie3, followed Dr Ross' remarks very attentively, several questions being asked at the conclusion, and doubtful points cleared up. The chairman moved u hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer, a motion which was carried by acclamation. Dr R. V. Hosking, secretary of the Wairarapa Amateur Swimming Club, mentioned th'jt; ta intended, fa procure a number Qf illustrated h,andr books of instruction, several of which he had with him. These would be. available to the fcin fHttir? t _ * Tho neXt'tectuTS will lake pIaCJ in a fortnight, and will be a practi'/al exposition of how to handle a drowning person in the water.