Camping and woodcraft - Scoutmastercg.com

ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES 455wrung out In very cold water, and keep pouringcold water on as this warms up. A little later,strap the joint with adhesive plaster.According to Gibnej-, the following treatmentfor a sprained ankle "Involves no loss of time, requiresno crutches, and Is not attended with anyimpairment of functions":A number of strips of rubber adhesive plaster,about 9 to 12 inches in length and of appropriatewidth, are prepared. Beginning at the outer borderof the foot, near the little toe, the first strip partiallyencircles the joint, and ends behind the foot. Thesecond strip is begun on the inner side of the footand is applied on the opposite side, nearly meetingthe first strip behind. Other strips are applied inlike manner, each one over-lapping the last andcrossing its fellow of the opposite side in front, sothat the ankle issnugly and smoothly encased, carebeing taken not to encircle completely the joint withany one strip. After having bound the foot firmly,it is well to add one broad strip, running around thefoot from the internal side of the leg down the internalside of the foot, across the sole of the foot,and up the outside of the leg, "as much as possibleto take the place of the middle fasciculus of the externallateral ligament, which is so often the onemost injured." It is a good plan to place a pad ofabsorbent cotton over the external malleolus[outerknob of ankle] and in the depression below, to preventundue pressure and chafing. Any one of theinjured ligaments may receive a similar reinforcementfrom an extra strip. Then apply a rollerbandage smoothly over the entire surface, allowingit to remain until the plaster takes firm hold.The pain of a sprained joint may be alleviatedby gently rubbing in a mixture of equal parts ofalcohol and water, or arnica, or witch hazel.Rubbingshould always be toward the body.Hernia (Rupture).—This may result from violentexertion, over-lifting, or other cause. Havethe patient lie on his back, with a pillow or padunder his hips, and thigh drawn toward the body.Tell him to breathe evenly and naturally. Gently