Page:Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management.djvu/2101

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Before a doctor can be summoned it is always necessary to do something to allay the dreadful pain caused by either of these accidents. The clothing will have to be first most carefully removed, being cut away if necessary. A solution of carbonate of soda has a very soothing effect, if applied with a linen rag, continually moistened. Ice broken up and mixed with lard, if renewed directly the ice melts, will also greatly allay the pain from burns. A slight burn can be treated at once by rubbing soft soap well in, after which it may be oiled with carron oil (equal parts of olive-oil and lime-water), and floured. Cold water should be poured over a person when scalded before attempting to remove the clothing. Consult also "What to Do in Case of Accidents."

We need only mention here a few simple bandages that could be applied by a non-professional nurse. Every one should know how to roll a bandage. The great knack of rolling it is to get it perfectly tight and even. The first few turns can be taken round a knitting needle, which should then be withdrawn. Nursing Illustration No. 1, figs, 1 and 2, show clearly how to do this.

In cases of broken bones send at once for the doctor, but pending his arrival do not move the patient unless splints have been applied to the injured part.

In applying a bandage to the legs of a rickety child, for instance, place the splints (a plain piece of wood wadded with wool) on the inside of the leg, the end projecting an inch or two below the foot, and pass the bandage (outer side against the skin), completely around splint and leg at the ankle, once; then simply wind it round and round upwards, and fasten with a safety pin. A bandage about 3 yards long and 2½ inches wide would be required for this purpose. (See Nursing Illustration No. 1, fig. 6.)

A bandage for a finger would be from half an inch to an inch wide. To apply it, one or two turns round the wrist should be taken first, from under to over, then the bandage should be brought along the back of the hand and wound spirally down the finger from the tip, wound down to the root, crossed over the back of the hand, passed twice round the wrist, and the two ends tied together. (See Nursing Illustration No. 1, figs. 3, 4 and 5.)

In bandaging a wrist, begin by placing the end in the palm of the hand; pass the roll over the thumb-joint, thence once completely around the hand above the thumb (thus holding the end firmly in position), then wind it closely up and up the wrist and arm, making reverses with the finger as the arm gets thicker.

A ready sling for an injured arm can be made from a large handkerchief or neck muffler, by folding it into a triangle, passing it under the