How to Camp Out Part 12

The same causes may produce cholera morbus; symptoms, violent vomiting and purging, faintness, and spasms in the arms and limbs. Unless accompanied with cramp (which is not usual), nature will work its own cure. Give warm drinks if you have them. Do not get frightened, but keep the patient warm, and well protected from a draught of air.

The liability to costiveness, and the remedies therefor, are noted on p. 55 of this book.

A very rare occurrence, but a constant dread with some people, is an insect crawling into the ear. If you have oil, spirits of turpentine, or alcoholic liquor at hand, fill the ear at once. If you have not these, use coffee, tea, warm water (not too hot), or almost any liquid which is not hurtful to the skin.

MARSHALL HALL'S READY METHOD IN SUFFOCATION, DROWNING, ETC.

1st, Treat the patient _instantly on the spot_, in the _open air_, freely exposing the face, neck, and chest to the breeze, except in severe weather.

2d, In order _to clear the throat_, place the patient gently on the face, with one wrist under the forehead, that all fluid, and the tongue itself, may fall forward, and leave the entrance into the windpipe free.

3d, _To excite respiration_, turn the patient slightly on his side, and apply some irritating or stimulating agent to the nostrils, as _veratrine_, _dilute ammonia_, &c.

4th, Make the face warm by brisk friction; then dash cold water upon it.

5th, If not successful, lose no time; but, _to imitate respiration_, place the patient on his face, and turn the body gently but completely _on the side and a little beyond_, then again on the face, and so on alternately. Repeat these movements deliberately and perseveringly, _fifteen times only_ in a minute. (When the patient lies on the thorax, this cavity is _compressed_ by the weight of the body, and _ex_piration takes place. When he is turned on the side, this pressure is removed, and _in_spiration occurs.)

6th, When the p.r.o.ne position is resumed, make a uniform and efficient pressure _along the spine_, removing the pressure immediately, before rotation on the side. (The pressure augments the _ex_piration, the rotation commences _in_spiration.) Continue these measures.

7th, Rub the limbs _upward_, with _firm pressure_ and with _energy_.

(The object being to aid the return of venous blood to the heart.)

8th, Subst.i.tute for the patient's wet clothing, if possible, such other covering as can be instantly procured, each bystander supplying a coat or cloak, &c. Meantime, and from time to time, _to excite inspiration_, let the surface of the body be _slapped_ briskly with the hand.

9th, Rub the body briskly till it is dry and warm, then dash _cold_ water upon it, and repeat the rubbing.

Avoid the immediate removal of the patient, as it involves a _dangerous loss of time_; also the use of bellows or any _forcing_ instrument; also the _warm bath_ and _all rough treatment_.

POISONS.

In all cases of poisoning, the first step is to evacuate the stomach.

This should be effected by an emetic which is _quickly_ obtained, and most powerful and speedy in its operation. Such are, powdered mustard (a large tablespoonful in a tumblerful of warm water), powdered alum (in half-ounce doses), sulphate of zinc (ten to thirty grains), tartar emetic (one to two grains) combined with powdered ipecacuanha (twenty grains), and sulphate of copper (two to five grains). When vomiting has already taken place, copious draughts of warm water or warm mucilaginous drinks should be given, to keep up the effect till the poisoning substance has been thoroughly evacuated.

PARTING ADVICE.

Be independent, but not impudent. See all you can, and make the most of your time; "time is money;" and, when you grow older, you may find it even more difficult to command time than money.

[Ill.u.s.tration]