are available, roll the
edges of the skirts over several times to form a firm edge, and carry
with two or four bearers, as the size and weight of the patient make
necessary.

Minor Injuries and Emergencies

Minor injuries may or may not need the aid of a doctor, and you must
learn to use judgment as to the necessity of sending for one. We will
consider these minor injuries in groups to remember them more easily.

1. (a) BRUISES; (b) STRAINS; (c) SPRAINS

(a) A _Bruise_ is produced by a blow which does not break the skin, but
does break the delicate walls of the capillaries and smaller veins, thus
permitting the blood to flow into the surrounding tissues, producing
the discoloration known as "black and blue."

(b) _A Strain_ is produced by the overstretching of muscles or
ligaments, or both, but not tearing them. It may or may not be
accompanied by breaking of capillary walls with discoloration. Any
muscle or ligament may be strained.

(c) _A Sprain_ is produced by the overstretching of the muscles or
ligaments or both about a _joint_. There may also be some tearing of the
fibres or tearing loose from their attachments. This always breaks
capillaries or small veins, making the surface black and blue. This
discoloration usually appears some time after the accident, because the
broken blood vessels are far below the surface.

_Treatment_--For bruises and strains it is seldom necessary to call a
doctor. Apply cold, either by wringing cloths out of cold water and
applying, or by holding the injured part under the cold water tap. Do
this at intervals of several hours, until the pain is lessened. The cold
may be alternated with hot water which must, however, be quite hot, just
enough not to burn, as lukewarm water is almost useless. Some patients
will prefer to use only hot water. The water followed by applications of
tincture of arnica, witch hazel, or alcohol and water, half and half,
and bandaging will be sufficient.

If, however, there has been no black and blue at first, as in a bruise,
but it begins to show later, and the pain continues severe, and there is
a good deal of swelling, then you should send for a doctor, as more than
first aid is needed.

In case of _sprain_, send for a doctor, and in the meantime elevate the
joint and apply hot or cold water, or alternate hot and cold, as patient
prefers. This will give relief by contracting the blood vessels.

2. (a) BURNS; (b) SCALDS; (c) SUNBURN; (d) FROST