Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 November 1896 — AMATEUR SURGERY. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

AMATEUR SURGERY.

Bints as to the Care of Cycliata Who Meet with Injury. Il seldom happens, when a bicyclist is thrown from his wheel or receives injuries by other means, that a surgeon can be had on call. It is, therefore, necessary that they should understand how to treat wounds which they or their companions receive. The up-to-date wheelmen are taking time by the forelock and ascertaining what measures should be taken to afford themselves temporary relief in case of injury on the road. Even a few minutes’ delay when an artery has been severed may mean the death of the rider. The Society for Instruction fit First Aid to the Injured, with headquarters in New York and branches in other cities, is turning its attention especially to instructing bicyclists in helping themselves or their fellow wheelmen in case of accident. Lectures w,ill be given in the fall before cycling clubs, in which all forms of road injuries will be dealt with. Here is a list of the most common accidents and brief instructions for immediate assistance. If carefully studied and promptly applied they may

be the means of saving many lives as well as of relieving much unnecessary agony. Contusions are the simplest wounds made by falls and are usually disregarded by hardy wheelmen. The remedy is to bathe as soon as possible in alcohol and water, Pond’s extract or laudanum. Anything containing alcohol will act efficaciously. The simplest falls are usually from Inexperienced riding or from slipping on wet pavements. Shock is a condition so common and so dangerous that its remedy must be kept constantly in mind. The action of the heart has been interfered with through the nerve centers and unless promptly attended to may produce grave consequences. The treatment consists in applying heat to the body as quickly as possible. Stimulants should be given in small quantities except in cases of injury to the head, when heat alone should be resorted to. The nearest house should be called on for hot wet towels. Sudden collisions between two wheels or between a wheel and some other object will nearly always produce some degree of shock. Broken ribs are almost the invariable outcome where several riders, going at the top of their speed, fall one on top of the other. If, in this accident, the sufferer groans continually and has much difficulty in breathing, perhaps spitting a little blood at intervals, there is nothing to do but moisten his lips with liquor and carry him as gently as possible to the nearest hospital. For simple fracture, where the bone is broken but does not protrude, there is no need to hurry. Give the patient a little stimulant and handle as little as possible until the surgeon arrives. For fracture of the collar bone, lay the patient flat on his back and keep him practically quiet; but if it is absolutely necessary to move him before the bone is set do not forget totyut a large pad in the armpit and bind the arm to the side with the hand and forearm across the chest. A broken arm or leg can readily be seen if it is a compound fracture. In this case little can be done but protect the wound from dirt and treat the patient the same as from shock, unless there be bleeding, when it should be treated as any other hemorrhage. Dislocations should be kept wet in cool water until medical aid arrives. Sprains, which are especially common for beginners, should be bathed in hot water if possible and kept perfectly quiet until bandaged. Cold water will also give relief.

A BICYCLE BELIEF COBPS.