Schaefer Method of Effecting Artificial Respiration In Case of Drowning.—­After an investigation and comparison of the different methods of artificial respiration, Schaefer suggests one which is by far the simplest and easiest and at the same time one of the most effective and least injurious to the patient.  In describing it he says:  “It consists in laying the subject in the prone posture, preferably on the ground, with a thick folded garment underneath the chest and epigastrium, (region above the stomach).  The operator puts himself athwart or at the side of the subject, facing his head (see plate) and places his hands on each side over the lower part of the back (lowest ribs).  He then slowly throws the weight of his body forward to bear upon his own arms and this presses upon the thorax of the subject and forces air out of the lungs.  This being effected, he gradually relaxes the pressure by bringing his own body up again to a more erect position, but without moving his hands.”  These movements should be repeated regularly at a rate of twelve to fifteen times per minute, until normal respiration begins or until hope of its restoration is abandoned.  Some claim there is no hope of restoring respiration after half an hour of artificial respiration.  Others claim there is a chance of saving the patient even then, and say that artificial respiration should be kept up for two or three hours.

[398 Mothers’ remedies]

To resuscitate the drowned.—­First:  Lose no time in recovering the body from the water.  Always try to restore life; for while ten minutes under the water is usually the limit, still persons have been resuscitated after being under water for thirty or forty minutes.  Do not lose time by taking the body to a place of shelter—­operate immediately.

[Illustration:  The Schaefer Position to be Adopted for Effecting Artificial Respiration in Case of Drowning.]

[Accidents and poisons 399]

Second:  Quickly lay the person prone, face downward with stomach resting on a barrel or roll of clothing, so the head will be lower than rest of the body and the water will run out from the throat and lungs.  Wipe dry mouth and nostrils.  Wrap the corner of a handkerchief about the forefinger and clear the mouth of all mucus and slimy substance back as far as the top of the throat.  Rip open the clothing on chest and back and keep the face exposed to the air.  Separate the jaws and keep them apart with a cork, stone, or knot in a handkerchief.

Third:  Remove the roll of clothing from underneath the stomach of the patient.  Kneel by the side of or across the patient.  Place your hands over the lowest ribs.  Lean forward and put your weight straight over the lowest ribs.  Exert this pressure for three seconds.  To count three seconds, say:  “One thousand and one, one thousand and two; one thousand and three,”

Fourth:  Do not remove the hands from the ribs; but release the pressure from the ribs for two seconds, by squatting backward.  To count two seconds, say:  “One thousand and one, one thousand and two,”