The Universal Home Doctor Illustrated: Special Supplements

Accidents to the soft parts of the body, especially the abdomen, are some of the worst that can be met with, and they are unfortunately frequent in these days when so many people are hurt by motor car traffic and by the great pieces of machinery in works. When a person has been run over or crushed, the skin and flesh of the abdomen are almost certain to give way, and the direction in which they have been torn or have given way is of importance when con- sidering what to do for the best until the doctor arrives. Three things may happen the belly may be burst open and various organs, such as the bowels, may protrude through the opening. If this happens, keep the person lying down flat on the back. Uncover the injury by removing or cutting away the clothing. Take a towel, napkin or other large piece of cloth, whatever may be clean and handy. Wring it out of water as hot as can be borne, and lay it over the wound, well covering it and the area around. Cover with any clean bandaging material and keep the patient warm. Do not give any food or drink. Change the aim and object of First Aid is to relieve the sufferer of as mach pain and discomfort as possible, and to prevent any further mischief pending the arrival of medical aid. In a town a doctor can be quickly summoned, but if the accident occurs in outtlying parts there may be considerable delay. In such cases prompt action on the right lines will do much to promote the patients mental, as well as physical, well-being, and may even save his life. How to act in various emergencies is described in detail in the following pages, but these General Rules apply to all cases of rendering First Aid to the injured. I. Keep cool yourself, and avoid all appearance of panic. . a. Send someone for a doctor. 3. If there is serious bleeding, tackle this first. 4 Guard against shock by keeping the patlent warm. 5. Determine the nature of the accident, and decide upon what treatment should be given. 6. Remove the cause of the injury from the patient, or the patient from the cause, whichever is more expedient. 7. See that the patient is in a position which permits him to breathe. If breathing hasceased take prompt measures to restore it. 8. Do not heedlessly alter the position assumed by the patient. A comfortable posture assists the vital functions...