Fig. 79.
Fig. 78. A, B, The track of the large artery of the arm. The figure exhibits the method of applying the knotted handkerchief to make compression on this artery.
Fig. 79. A, C, The track of the large artery of the thigh. B, The method of applying the knotted handkerchief to compress this artery. In practice, the twisting stick B should be placed opposite the knot over the artery A, C.
380. When an artery of the arm is cut, elevating the wounded limb above the head will tend to arrest the flow of blood. In a wound of a lower limb, raise the foot, so that it shall be higher than the hip, until the bleeding ceases.
Illustration. On one occasion, the distinguished Dr. Nathan Smith was called to a person who had divided one of 178 the large arteries below the knee. After trying in vain to find the bleeding vessel, so as to secure it, he caused the foot to be elevated higher than the hip. At the first instant the blood was forced from the wound about twelve inches; in a minute, it was diminished to three or four; and, in a short time, the bleeding ceased. This Dr. S. called his “great” operation; and it was truly great in simplicity and science.
What is shown by fig. 78 and 79? 380. What suggestion relative to the position of a limb when bleeding? Relate a simple operation by Dr. Nathan Smith.
381. The practical utility of every person knowing the proper means of arresting hemorrhage from severed arteries, is illustrated by the following incidents. In 1848, in the town of N., Mass., a mechanic divided the femoral artery; although several adult persons were present, he died in a few minutes from loss of blood, because those persons were ignorant of the method of compressing severed arteries until a surgeon could be obtained.