A tourniquet, therefore, is like the valve in a water main.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 3

_The pebble_

_The pebble wrapped to protect the flesh_

_The bandage tied around over the pebble_

_The bandage twisted tightly by means of a windla.s.s (stick) which is held by another bandage_

_This shows pressure applied by tourniquet (also called Spanish windla.s.s) instead of the hand and by direct pressure of the First Aid Packet_]

The above diagrams show how a tourniquet is applied.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 4

_Bandage to stop bleeding in arm_]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 5

_Bandage to stop bleeding in foot_]

When no one is around to a.s.sist you, sometimes it will be possible to plug the wound in your own body with the first aid packet or with your thumb or handkerchief.

When the bleeding is slight, or is from the scalp or palm of the hand, or sole of the foot, direct pressure upon the wound itself with the pad of the first aid package will often be sufficient to stop the leak.

Nature when left alone stops the leaks with her own solder, called blood-clot, which forms in the cut ends of blood tubes and corks them or seals them up until a scar forms a permanent seal.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 6

_Arm blown off at elbow_

NOTICE:

1. Bandage on stump.

2. Tourniquet below to check bleeding.

3. Arm held upright to lessen bleeding.

4. Strap supports arm and also acts as a tourniquet.]

=1482.= The dangers from a tourniquet are:

1. Gangrene,--that is, the death of a limb caused by the lack of blood, which has been cut off by the tourniquet. By watching the toes and finger tips and loosening the tourniquet if they are becoming blue black and remain white when pinched, gangrene may be prevented.

However, the wound should be plugged before loosening the tourniquet.

2. Injury to nerves from pressure which may cause palsy (paralysis).

However, that will generally pa.s.s off in a few days.

=1483. Broken Bones (Fractures).= A broken bone or fracture is known by pain in a particular place that hurts on movement or when touched.

Also, by a deformity or a movable lump, caused by the broken end of the bone.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 7

_Compound fracture_]

A broken bone should be handled with the greatest possible care.

Careless handling may cause the broken ends to pierce the flesh and stick out through the skin. This is called a =compound= fracture, and is serious, because it adds fuel to the fire by making a doorway for germs to enter, which may cause death or the loss of the limb.

Furthermore, careless handling may make the bones grow together in a bad position, causing a deformity.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 8

_Break of UPPER arm bone. Pulling the broken bones out of flesh and into place_

_Treatment for break of upper arm bone_

1. Padding of gra.s.s.

2. Splints put on FRONT and BACK.

3. Splints extend beyond elbow joint.

4. Arm is supported by a sling.

_Treatment for break of both bones of lower arm_

1. Plenty of gra.s.s padding to protect the flesh.

2. The splints are put FRONT and BACK and bound snugly. The hand is included.

3. The whole dressing is held up by a sling.]

The best way to treat a broken leg or arm bone is as follows: (Fig.

8.)

Pull until the ends come together. You can tell this by the relief the patient feels and by the limb a.s.suming its proper length,--that is, the same length as the other side.

=1484.= To keep the ends of the bones in place, fasten to the limb two boards or any other substance that will not bend. Such boards or other substance are called splints. They act as artificial bones. All splints should be well padded with some soft material like raw cotton waste, gra.s.s (be sure the gra.s.s contains no biting insects), leaves, hay or excelsior, to prevent pressure of the soft flesh on the ends of the bones.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 9

_Points to note:_

Plenty of gra.s.s between the legs.

Plenty of gra.s.s between injured leg and splint.