In fact, what we have studied in the preceding chapters becomes tenfold more interesting, instructive, and of value to us, if we are able to supplement such study with its practical application to the treatment of the more common and less serious accidents and emergencies.

While no book can teach one to have presence of mind, a cool head, or to restrain a more or less excitable temperament in the midst of sudden danger, yet assuredly with proper knowledge for a foundation, a certain self-confidence may be acquired which will do much to prevent hasty action, and to maintain a useful amount of self-control.

Space allows us to describe briefly in this chapter only a few of the simplest helps in the more common accidents and emergencies which are met with in everyday life.[52]

359.  Hints as to what to Do First.  Retain so far as possible your presence of mind, or, in other words, keep cool.  This is an all-important direction.  Act promptly and quietly, but not with haste.  Whatever you do, do in earnest; and never act in a half-hearted manner in the presence of danger.  Of course, a knowledge of what to-do and how to do it will contribute much towards that self-control and confidence that command success.  Be sure and send for a doctor at once if the emergency calls for skilled service.  All that is expected of you under such circumstances is to tide over matters until the doctor comes.

[Illustration:  Fig. 155.—­Showing how Digital Compression should be applied to the Brachial Artery.]

Do not presume upon any smattering of knowledge you have, to assume any risk that might lead to serious results.  Make the sufferer comfortable by giving him an abundance of fresh air and placing him in a restful position.  Do all that is possible to keep back the crowd of curious lookers-on, whom a morbid curiosity has gathered about the injured person.  Loosen all tight articles of clothing, as belts, collars, corsets, and elastics.  Avoid the use of alcoholic liquors.  They are rarely of any real service, and in many instances, as in bleeding, may do much harm.

360.  Incised and Lacerated Wounds.  An incised or cut wound is one made by a sharp instrument, as when the finger is cut with a knife.  Such a wound bleeds freely because the clean-cut edges do not favor the clotting of blood.  In slight cuts the bleeding readily ceases, and the wound heals by primary union, or by “first intention,” as surgeons call it.

Lacerated and contused wounds are made by a tearing or bruising instrument, for example, catching the finger on a nail.  Such wounds bleed but little, and the edges and surfaces are rough and ragged.

If the incised wound is deep or extensive, a physician is necessary to bring the cut edges together by stitches in order to get primary union.  Oftentimes, in severe cuts, and generally in lacerations, there is a loss of tissue, so that the wound heals by “second intention”; that is, the wound heals from the bottom by a deposit of new cells called granulations, which gradually fill it up.  The skin begins to grow from the edges to the center, covering the new tissue and leaving a cicatrix or scar with which every one is familiar.