SUNSTROKE AND POISONS.
Don't be afraid of the sun. Its rays give life and vigor not only to men
and animals, but to the vegetable world. A little tanning or browning of
the skin is good for you. In summer when the rays are very strong, you
should avoid them; but at other times, live in the sunlight all you can.
Very rarely indeed is a child sunstruck; but it is wise to guard against
it, because it is often fatal. As I have just told you, you must keep
out of the direct rays of the sun when the day is very hot. It is well
to carry a wet handkerchief, or several large green leaves in the crown
of your hat.
SYMPTOMS OF SUNSTROKE.
The symptoms of sunstroke are stinging pains in the head, dizziness,
weakness, confusion of sight, and in some cases, sickness at the
stomach. The person becomes partly or wholly insensible and often moans
or snores. Sometimes he has spasms.
HOW TO TREAT SUNSTROKE.
Should you ever see any one thus affected, do your utmost to have him
taken at once to the coolest place that is near at hand, and where there
is plenty of fresh air. The clothing should be removed and the body
sponged with cold water, if the surface is warm; if it is cool, warm
water should be used.
If the patient's body is very hot, his pulse high, he snores or moans,
and is limp and senseless, he should be laid upon his face, his head
slightly raised and cold water poured upon it for several minutes, from
a height of four or five feet.
CAUTION.
If the pulse is feeble and fast, the breathing light, and the body cool,
the treatment just named would be highly dangerous. The patient must be
given small doses of diluted brandy or whiskey, and a blister applied to
the back of the neck. Of course a physician will be sent for at once.
POISONS.
It may happen that a child swallows by mistake some kind of poison (when
he is alone), and when a few minutes' delay in reaching a physician will
be fatal. The best and indeed the only thing to do is to produce instant
vomiting. Stir a tablespoonful of salt or a teaspoonful of mustard in a
tumbler of warm water and swallow without a moment's delay.
At the end of five minutes, repeat the dose, and continue doing so for
half an hour. If vomiting does not take place immediately, bring it on
by thrusting the forefinger down the throat, since vomiting alone will
save your life.
SULPHURIC ACID POISON.
There is but one poison which cannot be thrown off by the means just
described. If water is drank directly after swallowing sulphuric acid,
it will be fatal. Vomiting must be induced by using the finger.
A SAFE RULE.
The only safe rule for children, as well as for grown persons, is never
to swallow or touch anything which they are not certain can do them no
harm. When there is the least doubt, leave it alone.
* * * * *
What is said of sunlight? When should the rays be avoided?
What should be carried in the crown of the hat when the sunlight is
very strong?
Describe the symptoms of sunstroke.
What is the first thing to do when a person suffers sunstroke?
Suppose the surface of the body is warm? Suppose it is cool?
If the body is hot, pulse high, he snores, is limp, etc.?
If the pulse is feeble and fast, breathing light, body cool?
What course should be followed if poison is taken by mistake?
Suppose the dose described does not cause vomiting?
What of sulphuric acid?
What is the only safe rule?