It the leg or arm is held upright, this also helps to reduce the bleeding in these parts, because the heart then has to pump the blood uphill.

A broken bone is called a fracture.  The great danger in the case of a fracture is that the sharp, jagged edges of the bones may stick through the flesh and skin, or tear and bruise the arteries, veins, and muscles.  If the skin is not broken, a fracture is not so serious, as no germs can get in.  Therefore never move a person with a broken bone until the fracture has been so fixed that the broken ends of the bone can not move.

[Illustration:  FIG. 4.—­Improvised tourniquet.]

If the leg or arm is broken, straighten the limb gently and if necessary pull upon the end firmly to get the bones in place.  Then bind the limb firmly to a splint to hold it in place.  A splint may be made of any straight, stiff material—­a shingle or piece of board, a bayonet, a rifle, a straight branch of a tree, etc.  Whatever material you use must be well padded on the side next to the limb.  Be careful never to place the bandages over the fracture, but always above and below. (Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8.)

Many surgeons think that the method of binding a broken leg to the well one, and of binding the arm to the body, is the best plan in the field as being the quickest and one that serves the immediate purpose.

[Illustration:  FIG. 5.]

[Illustration:  FIG. 6.]

With wounds about the body the chest and abdomen you must not meddle except to protect them when possible without much handling with the materials of the packet.

FAINTING, SHOCK, HEAT EXHAUSTION.

The symptoms of fainting, shock, and heat exhaustion are very similar.  The face is pale, the skin cool and moist, the pulse is weak, and generally the patient is unconscious.  Keep the patient quiet, resting on his back, with his head low.  Loosen the clothing, but keep the patient warm, and give stimulants (whisky, hot coffee, tea, etc.).

SUNSTROKE.

In the case of sunstroke the face is flushed, the skin is dry and very hot, and the pulse is full and strong.  In this case place the patient in a cool spot, remove the clothing, and make every effort to lessen the heat in the body by cold applications to the head and surface generally.  Do not, under any circumstances, give any stimulants or hot drinks.

[Illustration:  FIG. 7.]

[Illustration:  FIG. 8.]

FREEZING AND FROSTBITE.

The part frozen, which looks white or bluish white, and is cold, should be very slowly raised in temperature by brisk but careful rubbing in a cool place and never near a fire.  Stimulants are to be given cautiously when the patient can swallow, and followed by small amounts of warm liquid nourishment.  The object is to restore the circulation of the blood and the natural warmth gradually and not violently.  Care and patience are necessary to do this.