Treatment is directed first, to opening up the respiratory passage. The child is held up by the feet so the mucus, blood, and fluids may escape from the mouth. Compression of the chest wall will aid. The tracheal catheter is passed into the trachea and the mucus sucked out. Next, the skin reflexes are stimulated by slapping the back, or buttocks, and by blowing upon the face.
Fig. 117.—Method of passing the tracheal catheter. (Hammerschlag.)
The child at this time may be dipped in a tub of very warm water, (112° F.) and the chest and face sprinkled with cold water. Meanwhile, Laborde’s method of traction on the tongue may be tried. The tongue is seized with tongue forceps (handkerchief, napkin, or piece of gauze will do) and rhythmically drawn out and released about ten times per minute.
Further, the Byrd method of artificial respiration must be employed.
Fig. 118.—Byrd’s method of artificial respiration. Extension and inspiration. (Edgar.)
Fig. 119.—Byrd’s method of artificial respiration. Beginning flexion and expiration. (Edgar.)
The back of the child is held in the right hand, so that the thumb and forefinger grasp the neck loosely, the other hand holds the buttocks from behind and the body is slowly but firmly flexed between them until the thorax is compressed, then the grip is relaxed and the body widely extended to allow the air to rush into the lungs. This maneuver should be repeated about twelve times per minute. When the heart ceases to beat, the child is dead and respiration can not be established.