The true physiological method of restoring persons drowned or dead, and of resuscitating still-born children / by Henry R. Silvester.

  • Silvester, Henry R. (Henry Robert), 1829-1908.
Date:
1858
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The true physiological method of restoring persons drowned or dead, and of resuscitating still-born children / by Henry R. Silvester. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    be made to hold the tongue in the required position. Should it be found necessary, the tongue may be so retained by pass- ing a handkerchief under the chin and fastening it over the head. III. To Imitate the Movements of Deep Respiration. Raise the patient’s arms upwards by the sides of his head, and then extend them gently and steadily upwards and forwards for-a few moments. (This action enlarges the capacity of the chest by elevating the ribs, and induces inspiration.) Next, turn down the patient’s arms and press them gently and firmly for a few moments against the sides of the chest. (This action diminishes the cavity of the thorax, and produces a forcible expiration.) Repeat these measures alternately, deliberately, and perse- veringly fifteen times in a minute. IY. To Induce Circulation and Warmth, and to Excite Inspiration. Rub the limbs from the extremities towards the heart. Replace wet clothing by warm and dry covering. Occa- sionally dash cold water in the patient’s face. These measures are perfectly compatible with the systematic per- formance of the imitation of the movements of respiration. A similar remark applies to the use of the warm bath, if indicated. Explanatory Remarks. Rule i. This posture is not essential; but in the position recommended the vital capacity of the chest is larger than in any other recumbent attitude. The bony framework of the chest is more free to move, and both sides can be expanded at the same time. This, in fact, is precisely the posture chosen by persons suffering from dyspnoea. Rule ii. In this way the patulous orifice of the windpipe is raised and drawn forward, so that nothing intervenes
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