TO IMITATE BREATHING--Replace the patient on the face, raising and
supporting the chest well on a folded coat or other article of dress.
Turn the body very gently on the side and a little beyond, and then
briskly on the face, back again; repeating these measures cautiously,
efficiently, and perseveringly about fifteen times in the minute, or
once every four or five seconds, occasionally varying the side.
[_By placing the patient on the chest the weight of the body forces the
air out; when turned on the side this pressure is removed, and air
enters the chest_.]
On each occasion that the body is replaced on the face make uniform but
efficient pressure with brisk movement, on the back between and below
the shoulder-blades or bones on each side, removing the pressure
immediately before turning the body on the side. During the whole of
the operations let one person attend solely to the movements of the
head, and of the arm placed under it.
[_The first measure increases the expiration, the second commences
inspiration_.]
The result is _respiration_ or _natural breathing_, and, if not too
late, _life_.
Whilst the above operations are being proceeded with, dry the hands and
feet; and as soon as dry clothing or blankets can be procured, strip the
body and cover, or gradually re-clothe it, but taking care not to
interfere with the efforts to restore breathing.
III. Should these efforts not prove successful in the course of from
two to five minutes, proceed to imitate breathing by Dr Silvester's
method, as follows:--
Place the patient on the _back_ on a flat surface, inclined a little
upwards from the feet; raise and support the head and shoulders on a
small firm cushion or folded article of dress placed under the
shoulder-blades.
Draw forward the patient's tongue, and keep it projecting beyond the
lips; an elastic band over the tongue and under the chin will answer
this purpose, or a piece of string or tape may be tied round them, or by
raising the lower jaw the teeth may be made to retain the tongue in that
position. Remove all tight clothing from about the neck and chest,
especially the braces.
TO IMITATE THE MOVEMENTS OF BREATHING.--Standing at the patient's head,
grasp the arms just above the elbows, and draw the arms gently and
steadily upwards above the head, and _keep them stretched_ upwards for
two seconds. (_By this means air is drawn into the lungs_.) Then turn
down the patient's arms, and press them gently and firmly for two
seconds against the sides of the chest. (_By this means air is pressed
out of the lungs_.)
Repeat these measures alternately, deliberately, and perseveringly about
fifteen times in a minute, _until a spontaneous effort to respire is
perceived_, immediately upon which cease to imitate the movements of
breathing, and proceed to INDUCE CIRCULATION AND WARMTH.
IV. TREATMENT AFTER NATURAL BREATHING HAS BEEN RESTORED--TO PROMOTE
WARMTH AND CIRCULATION.
Commence rubbing the limbs upwards, with firm grasping pressure and
energy, using handkerchiefs, flannels, etcetera: [_by this measure the
blood is propelled along the veins towards the heart_.]
The friction must be continued under the blanket or over the dry
clothing.
Promote the warmth of the body by the application of hot flannels,
bottles or bladders of hot water, heated bricks, etcetera, to the pit of
the stomach, the arm-pits, between the thighs, and to the soles of the
feet.
If the patient has been carried to a house after respiration has been
restored, be careful to let the air play freely about the room.
On the restoration of life a teaspoonful of water warm should be given;
and then, if the power of swallowing have returned, small quantities of
wine, warm brandy and water, or coffee, should be administered. The
patient should be kept in bed, and a disposition to sleep encouraged.