A manual of instruction in the principles of prompt aid to the injured : including a chapter on hygiene and disinfection, designed for civil and military use / by Alvah H. Doty.

  • Doty, Alvah H. (Alvah Hunt), 1854-1934.
Date:
1913
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A manual of instruction in the principles of prompt aid to the injured : including a chapter on hygiene and disinfection, designed for civil and military use / by Alvah H. Doty. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library at Columbia University and Columbia University Libraries/Information Services, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library at Columbia University and Columbia University.

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    UNCONSOIOUSNESS, SHOCK, AXD SYNCOPE, UNCO^'^scIOUSXESS is associated with a number of differ- ent affections, and in order to intelligently treat this con- dition it is necessary that one should he fsfmiliar with the different causes producing it; among which are apoplexy, opium-poisoning, alcoholism, syncope, concussion and compression of the brain, and ei)ilepsy. This is very im- portant, as the remedies suitable for one would be unfit for another : for instance, the unconsciousness due to syncope demands stimulants, which, if administered in apoplexy, might cause or hasten a fatal result. Ignorance of this subject has often been responsible for the humili- ating and seinous mistake of regarding a case of apoplexy as intoxication. As the result of complications, it sometimes happens that the cause of the unconsciousness may not for the moment be apparent; however, a careful examination for signs indicating the different affections giving rise to this condition will generally clear up existing doubts. During this period of uncertainty the xoatient should be placed in the recumbent position, with the head slightly ele- vated or depressed, according to the appearance of the face, whether congested or pale. The clothing about the neck and body should be loosened, and fresh au' freely supplied. Stimulants should be used with caution, and only when positively indicated. Artificial respiration may be resorted to in extreme cases.