Fig. 9
When a person is brought to land in an apparently drowned condition lose no time in attempting restoration. Delay may prove fatal. Act at once and work with caution, continuous energy, and perseverance. Life has, in many cases, been restored after long hours of unceasing work. In all cases send for a doctor as soon as possible. Meanwhile proceed at once to clear the water out of the patient's lungs. The following method is the simplest and is called the Schäfer system, after the inventor. Incline the patient face downwards and the head downwards, so that the water may run out of his mouth, and pull his tongue forward. After running the water out of the patient, place him on his side with his body slightly hanging down, and keep the tongue hanging out. If he is breathing let him rest; if he is not breathing, you must at once endeavor to restore breathing artificially. Here are Professor Schäfer's own instructions:
Fig. 10
1. Lay the patient face downwards with arms extended and the face turned to the side.
2. Don't put a cushion or any support under the chest. Kneel or squat alongside or astride of the patient facing towards his head.
3. Place your hands on the small of the patient's back, one on each side, with thumbs parallel and nearly touching.
4. Bend forward with the arms straight, so as to allow the weight of your body to fall on your wrists, and then make a firm, steady downward pressure on the loins of the patient, while you count slowly, "one—two—three."
5. Then swing your body backward so as to relieve the pressure and without removing your hands, while you count slowly, "one—two."
