FIRST AID IN TIME OF INJURY The only excuse for acting in time of injury is the absence of a physi cian. Always send for a doctor and do the necessary things during the in terval of his coming. Of course there are occasions when a doctor is not available; then, of course, more thor ough treatment and action is neces sary and permissible.
Before entering into the considera tion of specific treatment of condi tions, it may be wise to say a word or two in reference to equipment. It will be well to have handy in the house, or in camp, or when on a tramp, a medicine case containing at least the following remedies: Whisky.—Whisky of a good qual ity is valuable for many conditions, especially in case of snake bite, when it is a specific. Care should be used in giving it to children.
Tincture of Peppermint is splen did for relieving colic, bowel troubles, and is a remedy for vomiting. The dose is 10 to 20 drops on sugar.
Tincture of Ginger is also good for similar conditions, and the dose is 10 to 40 drops in sweetened water.
Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia is an indispensable remedy to have about. It is a strong stimulant as an inhalant and can also be adminis tered internally, the dose being 10 to 30 drops in sweetened water. It is efficient in restoring people in a faint ing condition by letting them use it as a smelling bottle.
Ammonia Water is quite a differ ent remedy, and is not for internal use. It is good for insect bites of any kind.
Tincture of Arnica is used for bruises, wounds, and cuts. Cloths wet with it and applied to bruises are valuable helps.
Witch-hazel likewise is helpful 8.s a lotion for sprains, wounds, and" contusions.
Spirits of Camphor is also valuable for smelling purposes and for in flammations. The internal dose is I
to 20 drops on sugar. It is good to overcome gas in the bowels.
Bicarbonate of Soda, namely bak ing soda—not washing soda—is a good powder for burns and is an antidote for acid poisoning of any kind.
Vaseline is a salve which can be put to many uses in treating burns, wounds, chafing, and scalds.
Antiseptic Solution.—In addition to the above it is very important to have a good, antiseptic wash with which to cleanse wounds of all kinds.
Carbolic Acid Solution is good in the strength of I part of carbolic acid to 25 of water.
Corrosive Sublimate is good, but there is more danger from poison, as it contains mercury. Tablets can be secured from druggists which can be used in a pint or quart of water, ac cording to the strength. There are a. number of popular prepared anti septic solutions, such as listerine, which are very convenient to have in the house for ready use.
In addition to the above, a few roll bandages of various sizes should be secured as well as adhesive plaster and a good-sized package of steril ized absorbent cotton. In 4 camp, or in places where accidents occur fre quently, this should be supplemented by some splints of pliable wood. Good, complete first-aid outfits, con taining most of the above, can be se cured from such firms as Johnson & Johnson, of New Brunswick, N. J., or from the National First Aid to the Injured Society of Boston, or the New York First Aid Society of New York City.