SYNCOPE
(FAINTING OR SWOONING).
Place the patient in a recumbent position. Loosen all clothing, and dash cold water on the face and chest. Spirits of ammonia or smelling salts should be used with caution, and not brought too near the nostrils. The pulse and general appearance will indicate if condition is serious. Give whisky and strychnin sulphate (¹/₃₀ gr.) hypodermically if necessary.
HYSTERIA.
In hysteria the patient may be apparently unconscious; the body is normal to the touch, the pulse is full and regular, the color is natural, and if an attempt is made to raise the eyelid it will be met with resistance. Do not leave the patient alone, but do not disturb her until she recovers.
EPILEPSY.
The attack comes on very suddenly. The patient utters a sharp cry, and falls to the ground. The muscles are rigid, the eyes staring, and there may be frothing at the mouth. The muscles soon relax, and there are twitchings of the whole body. The attack may last only a few minutes. Place the patient on his back with the head slightly elevated, and loosen all clothing. Put a wedge between the teeth, give him plenty of fresh air, and do not attempt to stop the movements.
DROWNING.
Begin artificial respiration at once, then soon as possible remove or loosen all clothing about the back, chest, and abdomen. Free the throat and mouth from mucus and foreign substances. Secure the tongue with a dry cloth or handkerchief; keep it drawn forward and to one side, as this opens the windpipe. Then turn the patient face downward, allowing the abdomen to rest on a roll of goods. Make firm pressure on the back and on both sides of the thorax to evacuate the lungs. Envelop the body in warm blankets, apply heat to the feet, and stimulate with hypodermic of strychnin, whisky, and coffee.
SUSPENDED ANIMATION FROM NOXIOUS GASES.
Remove patient at once into the fresh air. Employ artificial respiration, apply heat, and stimulate hypodermically.