RESUSITATION OF THE APPARENTLY DROWNED.

In the instruction of the Army in First Aid the method of resuscitation of the apparently drowned, as described by “Schaefer,” will be taught instead of the “Sylvester Method,” heretofore used.  The Schaefer method of artificial respiration is also applicable in cases of electric shock, asphyxiation by gas, and of the failure of respiration following concussion of the brain.

Being under water for four of five minutes is generally fatal, but an effort to revive the apparently drowned should always be made, unless it is known that the body has been under water for a very long time.  The attempt to revive the patient should not be delayed for the purpose of removing his clothes or placing him in the ambulance.  Begin the procedure as soon as he is out of the water, on the shore or in the boat.  The first and most important thing is to start artificial respiration without delay.

The Schaefer method is preferred because it can be carried out by one person without assistance, and because its procedure is not exhausting to the operator, thus permitting him, if required, to continue it for one or two hours.  When it is known that a person has been under water for but a few minutes continue the artificial respiration for at least one and a half to two hours before considering the case hopeless.  Once the patient has begun to breathe watch carefully to see that he does not stop again.  Should the breathing be very faint, or should he stop breathing, assist him again with artificial respiration.  After he starts breathing do not lift him nor permit him to stand until the breathing has become full and regular.

As soon as the patient is removed from the water, turn him face to the ground, clasp your hands under his waist, and raise the body so any water may drain out of the air passages while the head remains low. (Figure 9.)

[Illustration:  FIG. 9.—­Schaefer method of artificial respiration.  Inspiration.]

[Illustration:  FIG. 10.—­Schaefer method of artificial respiration.  Expiration.]

The patient is laid 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 its 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.  This position also facilitates the removal from the mouth of foreign bodies, such as tobacco, chewing gum, false teeth, etc., and favors the expulsion of mucus, blood, vomitus, serum, or any liquid that may be in the air passages.