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.
SUNSTROKE.
Two conditions result from exposure to excessive heat: thermic fever and heat exhaustion.
In thermic fever, after prodromal symptoms consisting of headache, nausea, and vomiting, there are stupor or coma, fever ranging from 105° to 110° F., flushing of the face, contraction of the pupils, a rapid, full pulse, and noisy respirations.
Management.—Pack the patient in ice, and rub with ice. Ice-water enemas may also be given. Bleeding and the subcutaneous administration of normal salt solution are sometimes efficacious.
In heat exhaustion consciousness is not lost; the skin is cold and moist; the respirations are shallow and rapid, but not noisy; and the pulse is feeble.
Management.—The patient should be covered with blankets and surrounded with hot bottles. Aromatic spirit of ammonia (30 minims), whisky, and black coffee are useful stimulants.