METHODS OF ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION.
Sylvester’s Method.—Lay the patient upon his back; kneel above the head, take firm hold of the arms above the elbow, and move them horizontally—first away from the body, then over the head until the hands touch behind; pull them backward for a few seconds. This process expands the chest cavity, and the lungs are filled with air, inducing inspiration. Return the arms to the first position, and make strong pressure on the sides of the chest and epigastrium to expel the air and effect expiration. Movements should not be too rapid; they should be repeated about sixteen times a minute. In case of apparent want of success, persist in the treatment until it has been ascertained that the heart has ceased to beat.
Marshall Hall’s Method.—Roll the patient over on his breast, make gentle pressure on the back, then turn the body gently but completely on the side, and again make gentle pressure on the back. Repeat these movements fifteen times every minute.
Artificial respiration may be kept up for hours before the faintest symptoms of life are shown.