Fig. 14
Then lay the patient on a blanket, if possible, and on his stomach, arms extended from his body beyond his head, face turned to one side so that the mouth and nose do not touch the ground. This position causes the tongue to fall forward of its own weight and so prevents it from falling back into the air passages. Turning the head to one side prevents the face coming into contact with mud or water during the operation.
Kneel and straddle the patient's hips, facing his head.
Fig. 15
Roll up or rip off the clothing so as to get at the bare back.
Locate the lowest rib, and with your thumbs extending in about the same direction as your fingers, place your spread hands so that your little finger curls over the lowest rib. Be sure to get the hands well away from the back bone,—the nearer the ends of the ribs the hands are placed without sliding off, the better it is.
Then with your arms held straight, press down SLOWLY AND STEADILY on the ribs, bringing the weight of your body straight from your shoulders. Do not bend your elbows and shove in from the side.
Release the pressure suddenly, removing the hands from the body entirely, and thus allowing the chest to fill with air.
Wait a couple of seconds, so as to give the air time to get into the blood. This is most important.