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Classic
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page 425
ACCIDENTS AND SUDDEN SICKNESS.
It is no longer considered a mark of the highest type of the feminine mind to
faint away at the smallest fright, and to sink into helplessness at the first
appearance of danger. Indeed, self-possession in emergencies is evidence of a
clear brain, which, at the critical moment, asserts its supremacy over physical
weakness, and takes command of the demoralized forces; besides, fright and
confusion are a confession of ignorance as well as want of self-control. Those
who know exactly what to do in emergencies rarely become panic-stricken. And it
is particularly important for women, who are, doubtless, constitutionally more
timid than men, to fortify themselves against danger, by learning what to do in
such accidents and emergencies as are likely to occur in the life of every one.
It would prove a rare case, indeed, if such knowledge did not, at least once in
a life-time, enable the possessor of it to save a valuable life, perhaps one
infinitely dearer to her than her own. Of course, within the limits of such an
article as is permissible here, only a few hints can be given, rather to suggest
further investigation than to be a complete guide.
ACCIDENTS IN GENERAL.--The first and most important thing, after sending for a
surgeon, when an accident has occurred, is to keep off the crowd. No one, except
one or two in charge, should be allowed nearer than ten feet; and the kindest
thing a by-stander can do is to insist on such a space, and to select such
persons as are willing to go for whatever is needed by the surgeon or physician,
so that there may be no delay, if any thing is needed. If there has been a
"shock" from a fall or blow, although there may be no fracture or external
injury, the person is "faint," and should be placed flat on the back, with the
head, neck, and shoulders slightly raised; the limbs should be straightened out,
so that the heart may act as easily as possible; the cravat, collar, and
clothing, if in the least tight, should be loosened. A sup of cold water will
bring reaction soon if the injury is slight; a tea-spoonful of brandy, in a
table-spoonful of water, every two minutes, gentle friction to the extremities,
a handkerchief wet with cologne-water held to the nostrils, a fan, if weather is
hot, will all aid in restoring full consciousness. If thought best to remove the
patient to his residence, or to a more favorable place for treatment, place on a
stretcher, settee, or shutter, slipping him on gently, taking care that the body
is supported along its whole length; throw a handkerchief over the face to
prevent the unpleasant sensation of the staring crowd, and let the stretcher be
borne by persons of uniform gait, if possible. A policeman's services, if in a
city, are invaluable in keeping off a crowd. When a surgeon arrives, his
directions will suffice.
DROWNING.--Death is caused by cutting off the supply of fresh air from the
lungs, so that the process of purification of the arterial blood ceases. Life is
rarely restored after an immersion of five or six minutes, but recovery has been
recorded after twenty minutes. Efforts to restore should be continued for at
least two hours, or until the arrival of a physician. What is
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