Page:The physical training of children (IA 39002011126464.med.yale.edu).pdf/272

 severe, has been done to the brain; send, therefore, instantly for a medical man.

In the mean time, loosen both his collar and necker-*chief, lay him flat on his back, sprinkle cold water upon his face, open the windows so as to admit plenty of fresh air, and do not let people crowd around him, nor shout at him, as some do, to make him speak.

While he is in an unconscious state, do not on any account whatever allow a drop of blood to be taken from him, either by leeches or by bleeding; if you do, he will probably never rally, but will most likely sleep "the sleep that knows no waking."

281. A nurse sometimes drops an infant and injures his back; what ought to be done?

Instantly send for a surgeon; omitting to have proper advice in such a case has frequently made a child a cripple for life. A nurse frequently, when she has dropped her little charge, is afraid to tell her mistress; the consequences might then be deplorable. If ever a child scream violently without any assignable cause, and the mother is not able for some time to pacify him, the safer plan is that she send for a doctor, in order that he might strip and carefully examine him; much after-misery might often be averted if this plan were more frequently followed.

282. Have you any remarks to make and directions to give on accidental poisoning by lotions, by liniments, etc.?

It is a culpable practice of either a mother or nurse to leave external applications within the reach of a child. It is also highly improper to put a mixture and an external application (such as a lotion or a liniment) on the same tray or on the same mantel-piece. Many liniments contain large quantities of opium, a teaspoonful of which would be likely to cause the death of a child. "Hartshorn and oil," too, has frequently been swallowed by