AID
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BAY RE FRYER
THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
SOUTHERN BRA IMC M
IVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
LIBRARY
COS ANGELES. C,u IF
THE
MARY FRANCES
FIRST AID BOOK
MART FKANVLS PUTS HER FIRST AID K.VOWLEIW; INTO I'KA< TICK
THE MARY FRANCES
FIRST AID BOOK
WITH READY REFERENCE LIST OF ORDINARY
ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESSES, AND APPROVED
HOME REMEDIES
BY
JANE EAYRE FRYER
Member American Red Cross Society,
Member New Jersey Women's Division National
Preparedness Association,
Author of "The Mary Frances Story-Instruction Books."
ILLUSTRATIONS BY
JANE ALLEN HOVER
r
-o
PREPAREDNESS
THIS book is for every boy and girl who hopes to render
first-aid to the sick or injured — in time of peace — in time
„ of war — at all times in the service of
OUR COUNTRY
[81
PREFACE
THIS book is more than a story to inspire children with
a desire to relieve suffering; it is a simplified and handy
reference book, telling what to do in cases of accident or
illness. In no sense is it intended to take the place of
the physician. The first principle of first-aid cannot too
often be repeated — when in doubt, send for the doctor.
Especial thanks are due to E. A. Y. Schellenger, M.D.,
member Surgical Staff, Cooper Hospital, Camden, N. J., for
his great assistance in verifying and revising the medical
and first-aid instructions given herein; and to Constance
Cooper Crichton, Instructor of First Aid Classes, New
Jersey Women's Division National Preparedness, whose
helpful criticism and suggestions have been invaluable.
MERCHANTVILLE, X. .1.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
I. OFF TO MEXICO 17
II. THE SPEEDERS' ACCIDENT 21
III. FIRST AID TO THE INJURED 20
IV. AT THE DOLLS' HOSPITAL 30
V. THE REAL CROSS NURSES 35
VI. LESSONS IN FIRST AID 39
VII. SAFETY FIRST 43
VIII. PRACTICE GAMES 50
IX. THE HIKERS 53
X. ON LOOKING GLASS LAKE 60
XL Two BOYS ARE LATE 67
XII. PLANS 73
XIII. A SANE FOURTH OF JULY 81
XIV. SHESA, A RED CROSS XURSE SS
XV. A TELEGRAM FROM MEXICO 94
XVI. PRIVATE BRAVE'S ADVENTURES 97
XVII. THE MAD DOG .... 102
XVIII. THE POISONED BABY 105
XIX. HURRAH FOR OUR HERO 108
APPENDIX
A READY REFERENCE LIST OF ORDINARY ACCIDENTS
AND ILLNESSES, WITH APPROVED HOME REMEDIES 1 !."»
INSTRUCTIONS
WHAT TO Do UNTIL THE DOCTOR COMES, IN ORDINARY
HOUSEHOLD EMERGENCIES (See Ready Reference List)
PAGE
BILIOUSNESS 117
BITES OF ANIMALS 117
BITES OF INSECTS 117
"BLACK EYE" 117
BLEEDING OF GUMS 117
BLOOD BLISTERS 118
BROKEN BONES OR FRACTURES 118
BRUISES OR CONTUSIONS 118
BURNS AND SCALDS 119
CAR SICKNESS 120
CHILBLAINS 120
CHILLS 120
CHOKING 120
COAL GAS, SUFFOCATION FROM 120
COLDS 120
COLIC. 121
CONVULSIONS OF CHILDREN 122
CORNS 122
CROUP 122
CUTS (SLIGHT) 122
DIAUKHKA 123
in]
12 INSTRUCTIONS
PAGE
EARACHE 123
FAINTING 123
FEVER BLISTERS (COLD SORES) 124
FIRE, TO AVOID ACCIDENTS FROM 48
FITS 124
FOREIGN BODY IN EAR 124
FOREIGN BODY IN EYE 125
FROST BITES 125
GUM BOILS ("CANKER SPOTS") 125
HEAT EXHAUSTION 125
HEMORRHAGE (SEVERE BLEEDING) 125
HICCOUGH 127
HIVES 127
INDIGESTION 127
ITCHING 127
LICE IN HAIR (PEDICULOSIS) 127
NAILS (INGROWING) 127
NAUSEA (SICK STOMACH) 128
NOSEBLEED 128
PERSPIRATION 128
POISON IVY RASH 128
POISONING — TREATMENTS AND ANTIDOTES 128
POWDER WOUNDS 130
PRICKLY HEAT 130
PTOMAINE POISONING. 130
INSTRUCTIONS 13
PACT
SEA-SICKNESS 130
SHOCK 131
SORE THROAT 131
SPLINTERS 131
SPRAIN 131
STIFF NECK 131
STINGS 132
STRAIN OF MUSCLES 132
SUNBURN 132
SUNSTROKE 132
TOOTHACHE 132
WARTS 133
WOUNDS 133
PLASTERS, POULTICES AND STUPES 134
How TO RID A HOUSE OF FLEAS 56
How TO USE FIRST AID BANDAGES .82, 83, 84, 98, 99
How TO MAKE A DRINKING CUP 42
LIST OF REMEDIES FOR THE HOME MEDICINE CLOSET 136
DOCTOR
SCRECURE
Renidtni Physician
CHARACTERS
HOSPITAL STAFF
DOCTOR
QUICKENQPACK
Interne Physician
ICER ARBEKT
Chit/ of Police
ief of Police
PATIENTS
HE«A BHAVB MRB. BRAVE
~ir*ttr Rrnrr's FatHrr Pritate Brare'f Mother
IMA BRAVE
Prirat' Rrnre
V. .S. Xrmy
SOAMI BRAVK
Pritfilf firat-e'i
Ltltf Sinter
Inr.r. Tln\\i
Priintt Rratr't
IA Bnxvc
I'rimtf Hratf'i
Bio -Sw^.T
CHAPTER I
OFF TO MEXICO
HE Head Nurse, Miss Bossem, rushed out
of the Dolls' Hospital toward the children.
" You're late, Miss Helpem," she called to
Mary Frances. "Go right on duty rolling
bandages for the soldiers who start for
Mexico today. The troop-train leaves at two-thirty.
Hurry, now, or you won't get them to the station on
time."
Then, turning to Billy, "Get the ambulance ready
immediately," she commanded, and Billy disappeared into
the garage.
You see, Mary Frances finished the course in First
Aid Nursing with the Red Cross Preparedness Class just
before her birthday. Being very proud of her newly
acquired knowledge, she wanted to show Billy how much
she had learned.
When Billy promised her any favor she could think of
as a birthday present, Mary Frances joyfully asked him
to spend a whole day at the Dolls' Hospital in the playroom,
pretending they were little kiddies again — that she was
Miss Helpem, the assistant nurse, and that Billy was the
ambulance driver. To keep his promise, Bill}' consented.
Just as they stepped into the playroom door, they
[17]
18
seemed to grow smaller and smaller, until they were no
bigger than the dolls themselves.
Now, go on with the story and see what happened.
Promptly at two-fifteen, Miss Helpem arrived at the
station with an ambulance full of bandages, and just in
"ALWAYS CARRY THIS WITH You"
time to see the Brave family bidding good-bye to Private
Ima Brave. All the family were there, even Michael, the
OFF TO MEXICO 19
big bulldog. Private Brave was among the last of the
soldiers to board the little train.
" You'll write from New York, dear," begged his mother,
kissing him for the twentieth time, and slipping a little
American Red Cross first-aid outfit in his hand. " Always
carry this with you, and remember how your mother loves
you."
"And you'll send me picture postcards from every-
where, won't you?" begged little Ibee Brave, standing on
tip-toe to get a better view of his tall, straight brother.
"There's a speck of dust on your uniform," fussed Soami,
his little sister, as she brushed him with her handkerchief.
Private Brave smiled. "We're not on dress parade,
little sister," he said. "It's good that khaki doesn't show
the dust, for it's a dusty country we're going to."
" 'It's a long, long way to Mexico, it's a long way to go,' '
began little Ibee ; but at that moment the engine whistled,
and his father clasped Private Brave's hand.
"I am proud of my son," was all he said.
"And I, of my brother," Shesa, his big sister, added,
with tears in her eyes.
One more whistle, and the little train started down the
playroom railroad track.
"We'll bring the limousine nearer the station," said
Mr. Brave, taking Mrs. Brave's arm and walking away.
"Father and Mother don't want an}Tone to talk with
them just now," said Shesa.
"I don't see why. Gee, I wish I was big enough to go,"
said little Ibee, as he watched the train until the last car
turned a curve in the track.
20 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
"You'd make a fine soldier, wouldn't you," laughed
Soami, "when you're afraid to go upstairs in the dark."
" Only sometimes," answered Ibee; " only when the wind
blows hard and when it 'snot moonlight — and then, notoften."
"Why, Soami, Ibee is real brave," said Shesa. "Don't
you remember how you were afraid to go down cellar to
get some jam last night and Ibee would
have gone, if father hadn't made you go?"
"Yes, and father stood on the landing
the whole time you were gone, too, Miss,"
declared Ibee triumphantly.
"Yes, that's so," acknowledged Soami.
"I guess Ibee would make a good soldier
— especially a drummer boy. My! he can
drum bravely! Did you hear him yester-
day, Shesa?"
" Indeed I did," laughed the sister.
"Yes," continued Soami, mischievously,
"don't you remember the verses about —
'A little man bought him a big bass drum,
Boom-tid-dee-ah-da-boom !
"Who knows," said he, "When a war might come?
Boom-tid-dee-ah-da-boom !
I'm not at all frightened you understand,
But if I am called to fight for my land,
I want to be ready to play in the band.
Boom-tid-dee-ah-da-boom ! '
"Come, children," said their father, driving up, "here's
the car. Hop in."
CHAPTER II
THE SPEEDERS' ACCIDENT
HE shrill sound of a policeman's whistle cut
the air three times, but the dollsmobile sped
on faster than ever.
"I couldn't catch them at all, at all,"
reported the little thin sub-officer, McStop-
pem, at headquarters.
"Bring my motorcycle, McStoppem," ordered Chief
Arrestem.
"All right, sir," nodded Officer McStoppem, bringing
out the wonderful little toy. "If you take the cross-cut
road toward Sandpile Village, you'll catch them. The
number is — here it is, I wrote it down — 1492. You can
easily remember it — the year Columbus made 'prepared-
ness' necessary."
"Cut out your chatter, McStoppem, and follow me in
a hurry," directed the chief, as he kicked the pedal of the
motorcycle to start the engine. "Hand me the paper,"
and, snatching it, was off.
"The chief '11 get 'em O.K.," muttered Officer Mc-
Stoppem to himself, as he watched the long line of dust and
smoke in the wake of the little motorcycle.
Just as Chief Arrestem came into the cross-roads leading
to Sandpile Village, the runaway automobile flew past.
[211
22
THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
"By Jiminy, I don't wonder McStoppem couldn't catch
them," he said under his breath, as he put on still more
speed. "That man's lost control of his car, and unless I'm
mistaken there'll be an accident when he comes to that
"On, THE ENGINE'S ON FIRE!"
dangerous turn in the road where that big rocking chair
stands."
Meanwhile everybody in the dollsmobile was trying not
to be frightened.
" Can't 3'ou slow down a little, Father?" asked Mrs.
Brave.
"The brakes won't hold," panted Mr. Brave, forcing
both brakes on with all his might. "This is dreadful!"
THE SPEEDERS' ACCIDENT 23
"Gee whiz!" exclaimed little Ibee, looking out the rear
window. "Here comes the motor police. He'll arrest us
for speeding."
"Oh, mercy, we're coming to Rocking Hill road," gasped
Shesa. "Father, do turn off the power!"
But Shesa spoke too late, and kerr-smash! ken-bang!
kerr-plunk! went the dollsmobile right into the rockers
of the rocking chair, turning "turtle" twice, and breaking
the beautiful glass windows to pieces. Out of the broken
radiator the boiling hot water poured over poor Mrs.
Brave's arm where she lay just as she was thrown.
"Oh, the engine's on fire!" shrieked little Soami, "and
I'm burning to death!"
"Father, Father," called little Ibce, "come get me out!
I'm fast under the car! Come get me out, please! Oh,
I'll be burned to death! Father, oh, my arm hurts! Oh,
I can't move my arm!"
The mother managed to get up when she heard the
children call.
"Where's your father? Oh, where is he?" she cried,
and going to the other side of the car, she saw poor Mr.
Brave lying amidst a heap of broken glass and wheels and
gears. From his head ran a little stream of blood.
"Oh, he's dead!" she sobbed, but just then he gave a
little groan. "Oh, my dear husband," she exclaimed, "tell
mo you're not dead! Tell me you're not dead!" she begged,
unmindful of her own arm.
"I'm dead, Mother," groaned little Soami. "I just
know I'm (load with pain."
"Well, I'm not!" said little Ibee, "and even though
24
THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
my arm hurts so, I'm going to try to go for help if I can get
out from under this car."
UP CAME CHIEF ARRESTEM
"My, that's so!" exclaimed the mother. "I myself
forgot to be brave. I'll go for help."
But just as she spoke, up came Chief Arrestem.
THE SPEEDERS' ACCIDENT 25
"I saw it all, madam," he said, "and I stopped to
telephone to the hospital for the ambulance."
" Oh, don't 'rest us, please," begged little Ibee. " Please,
Mr. Officer, don't arrest us. We weren't speeding. Father
couldn't make the brakes hold!"
"Don't you worry, little chap," replied Chief Arrestem.
"I won't arrest any of you. Here comes Officer McStoppem
on his motorcycle, just as I told him to, and in a minute
we'll have you all out from under."
"Never mind about me," said Ibee. "Please get poor
Soami out. She's dead, I think."
"Quirk, McStoppem," called the chief, "help throw
>s:md on this car to put out the fire!"
It took about ten seconds for the two officers to put
the fire out, and even before that, they heard the honk!
honk! of the ambulance.
"Here comes the ambulance!" cried Chief Arrestem.
"Now, with the driver's help, we'll soon be able to lift this
car."
CHAPTER III
FIRST AID TO THE INJURED
OW, all at once," directed Chief Arrestem.
"One, two, three!" and the two officers and
the two ambulance men lifted the dollsmobile
high up over to the other side of the road.
"Well, friends," said Officer Arrestem, "if
there's nothing more we can do, we'll return to our duty."
"Nothing more, thank you," the
head nurse answered.
The driver had quickly smothered
the flames of little Soami's frock by
using the automobile robes.
"Oh, my goodness!" shrieked Mrs.
Brave, " where's Shesa? I wonder where
my dear daughter is! Where is she?
Where can she be?" she kept on asking,
Crying hysterically. SMOTHERED THE FLAMES
"Hush! quiet yourself!" commanded OF LITTLE SOAMI'S
the assistant nurse, who came in the am-
bulance. "We found your daughter a few moments ago
where she was thrown. She had fainted, but she is all right
now."
"Oh, sit her up; don't let her lie there!'
mother.
"Indeed, you must keep quiet, "said the nurse,
[261
exclaimed the
or we
FIRST AID TO THE INJURED
27
cannot do anything for anybody. It is better for her to
lie down than to sit up."
"I'd keep quiet if I knew what to do! Every woman
and man, too, ought to know."
"Yes," replied the nurse, "every person ought to
know something about first aid to the injured." She and
THEY ATTENDED THE MOST DANGBBOUBLT IKJORED FIB«T
the other nurse were busily directing the orderly and
driver of the ambulance in every movement, giving them
explicit directions.
They attended the most dangerously injured first,
stopping the bleeding (hemorrhage) of Mr. Brave's head
and bandaging a dressing in place. They applied soothing
caiTon oil to the burns on little Soami's arms and legs.
They bandaged temporary splints to little Ibec's broken
28 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
arm, and, since Mrs. Brave's scalds were not serious, they
attended her last.
Under Mr. Brave's broken leg they placed pillows to
make him more comfortable.
"If I'd only remembered to turn off the power this never
would have happened," he muttered. " How foolish of me !"
"There would never be any accidents to speak of,"
said the assistant nurse, soothingly, "if everybody did
everything right, you know."
"If everybody just kept his head cool," said Mr. Brave,
as he tried to move his position, but fell back with a
groan.
"Give him a half-teaspoon of aromatic spirit of
ammonia, Miss Helpem," said Miss Bossem, who was
engaged in spreading the stretcher.
"Now, everyone ready to lift this patient," she directed,
as she and the driver and orderly knelt on one knee beside
Shesa, and Miss Helpem took her position on the opposite
side of the stretcher. As the three lifted Shesa, Miss
Helpem carefully held the stretcher in place, and afterward
helped carry the patient to the ambulance. Next they
carried the two children, using a stretcher for little Ibee,
and making a two-handed seat for Soami. (A "sedan
chair," you know — the kind you play with at school.)
"I'm sorry neither doctor could leave the operating
room to come, Miss Helpem," remarked Miss Bossem, to
her assistant, who was Mary Frances, you remember. "If
you will wait here with these two patients, " (they were Mrs.
and Mr. Brave) "I will return with either Doctor Surecure
or Doctor Quickenquack."
FIRST AID TO THE INJURED 29
''Oh, why can't you take my dear husband along?"
begged Mrs. Brave. "He's awfully hurt! awfully!"
"Please explain to her, Miss Helpem," said Miss Bossem,
getting into the ambulance, "that it is far better to wait
for the doctor to attend a broken leg than to attempt to
place it in splints — unless it is absolutely necessary to move
the patient."
Miss Helpem turned to Mrs. Brave, who was by this
time quite exhausted, and after explaining the situation,
treated her, as she had all the others, for—
Cause: SHOCK
A severe injury, or even the sight of one, will often cause intense
nervousness, which is very weakening. This is especially true if
the patient is suffering from severe bleeding. Check the bleeding
before treating for shock.
Shock differs from fainting. The patient's face becomes pale
and the skin cold, the pupils of the eyes large.
What to do:
1. Send for the doctor.
2. Place patient on back with head low to allow plenty of blood
to enter head.
3. Give hot water or hot coffee, or one-half teaspoonful aromatic
spirit of ammonia in a quarter of a tumbler of water.
4. Hold smelling salts to the nose.
5. Do not excite by trying to remove clothing unless absolutely
necessary, but keep patient warm by use of hot-water bottles and
blankets, etc.
6. Cover patient. Rub limbs toward body.
7. Do not give whiskey or any other form of alcohol, if any other
stimulant can be found — and nmr whiskey in case of hemorrhage
(severe bleeding).
CHAPTER IV
AT THE DOLLS' HOSPITAL
N a short time Mrs. Brave began to feel
better, and, by the time the ambulance
returned, was able to stir about.
"Let us have a look at this broken leg,"
said Doctor Quickenquack, examining Mr.
Brave. "Ahem! I think, Miss Bossem, after all, we
would better use —
FIRST-AID TREATMENT FOR BROKEN LEG
(See Reference List)
Place pillows under the leg to make it more comfortable, but
do not move the patient before the doctor comes, unless absolutely
necessary. If necessary to move, place a board or an umbrella, one
on each side of the leg, and tie in place, (or tie both legs together if it
seems advisable) using bands of muslin, handkerchiefs, or *triangular
bandages.
" After we have Mr. Brave in the hospital, we'll put
that leg in the right kind of splints and bandages," remarked
the doctor, as he and the driver and orderly placed him on
the stretcher. " You'll be running a race like a boy in a
few weeks," he continued encouragingly as he seated him-
self beside the patient in the ambulance, and the nurse
helped Mrs. Brave to a place.
* Triangular bandages are described in (.'hapler
1301
AT THK DOLLS' HOSPITAL
''Like a tortoise, I'm thinking," said Mr. Brave, trying
to joke above the pain, for oh, how his broken leg did
ache.
Clang! clang! clang — clang! sounded the ambulance
His MOTHER WAS SITTING BESIDE THE BED
gong, and in less than a few minutes they were at the
Dolls' Hospital.
The next morning little Ibee came into his father's
room, where his mother was sitting beside the bed with her
scalded arm nicely dressed and bandaged.
"I'm going to be a doctor," he announced proudly, after
bidding his parents good-morning. " This is a dandy place!
There aren't any private rooms for Soami or me, so we're
each in a ward, and there's a fellow in the mon's ward all
32 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
done up in bandages. I just wish you could see him! I
got Doctor Quickenquack to tell me what kinds they all
were and I can't remember all of them, but I know he said
something about triangular and spiral and figure-of-eight
bandages. My, that fellow looks fine! He has a broken
arm and a broken leg and a dislocated shoulder and a
fractured jaw, and his bandages are swell! He did the
whole thing by sliding off his barn roof last Sunday when
he was putting shingles on it. He says it's a judgment —
whatever that is."
"Well, for pity's sake," exclaimed his mother, "Ibee,
how you talk! Do take a breath!"
"Hello, everybody!" said little Soami, running in.
"How's father? Shesa's fine, Miss Helpem told me. No
bones broken except one finger. Shesa's asleep now, and
her finger's bandaged beautifully!"
"Father's just about as well as can be expected, dear,"
answered their father. "And very thankful none of us are
hurt worse."
"I don't know," said Ibee, shaking his head. "Even
though my arm aches so, I'd have liked to have had some-
thing worth while; for instance, a compound fracture of
the thigh. Father's was only a simple fracture. In a com-
pound fracture the broken bone often comes through the
skin, I heard the head nurse say to one of the assistants."
"Well, sir," said his father, "if you had this, you'd find
it was enough!"
"Why, what's the matter with the boy? Is he crazy?"
exclaimed his mother. "As though we hadn't all had
trouble enough!"
AT THE DOLLS' HOSPITAL
33
"I don't think he's crazy," said Soami. "There's a
girl in our ward who has a broken nose, and it looks too
interesting for anything to see the nurse dress it! I want
to be a nurse when I grow up ! Just think how many people
one can help! Why, if it hadn't been for the nurses, perhaps
we might — nearly all be dead!"
"Indeed we might," agreed their mother. "I don't
know whether you'll be a doctor, Ibee, or whether Soami
will be a nurse, but I do know that I'm going to ask Miss
Bossem if a class cannot be formed in our neighborhood in
which we can all learn how to render first-aid to the
injured."
"Good for you, Mother," said Shesa, coming in at that
moment, and kissing her father. "I've just been talking
with Miss Hclpem, and she has explained how to join the
Preparedness Movement, so that if we should have war
right in our own land, or serious acci-
dents, we could help care for the
wounded or injured."
"That brings my dear Ima to mind.
Oh, I do hope we'll get a letter to-
day," said her mother.
"Here's a postcard just received for
Master Ibee Brave, "said a nurse, coming
along with the mail.
"From Ima!" said Ibee. "It's from
New York, looking at the postmark.
"Read it out loud!" cried his mother
how the dear boy is."
Ibee read:
'Rr..M> IT OTT Loco!"
" Lot us all hear
34 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
Dear Folks:
New York never looked better to us than as we left for the
front — but who wouldn't be brave for the sake of the red,
white and blue? Will write mother a long letter as soon as
time permits.
As ever,
Ima Brave.
"Now, isn't that brave?" exclaimed his mother. "He's
as brave as Teddy Roosevelt!"
"It's wonderful to belong to such a brave family," said
Miss Helpem, who came in just then to renew the dressing
on Mr. Brave's head.
CHAPTER V
THE REAL CROSS NURSES
OME," she added, "this excitement will never
do for Mr. Brave. Everybody leave the
room, and everybody go to bed and take a
nap."
"I don't want to," began Ibee. "I
want— but at that moment, Miss Bossem, who was
passing, came into the room.
"Why, what does this mean?" she asked crisply, gazing
around. "How does it happen, Miss Helpem, that all
these people are in the invalid's room? Everyone who
comes in must have permission."
"Well, I am surprised!" exclaimed Mrs. Brave. "As
though I'd have to ask permission!"
"Well," replied Miss Bossem, in a very decided manner,
"everybody who stays in this hospital must obey the rules.
Miss Helpem, will you kindly see that the children are put
to bed, and I will take Mrs. Brave to her room."
" I'm no child," began Mrs. Brave, "I'm an older woman
than you, and I've had
"Do you intend to risk your husband's life any further?"
asked Miss Boesem, lifting her eyebrows and speaking in a
low, icy tone.
"Poor wife— ' began Mr. Brave.
"See!" said Miss Bossem. "He's already too excited
to rest tonight without some medicine."
36
THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
"Oh, dear," whispered Mrs. Brave, "I'm so sorry!"
Then aloud: "Miss Nurse, I'm real tired. I think I need a
nap. Good-bye, dear, I'm going to my room — you take a
nap, too."
"Well," said Miss Bossem to Miss Helpem, "I did
WHT, WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?"
succeed in making Mrs. Brave see how dangerous it was to
excite the patient, but my, I don't like to be so cross!"
"I just had to be firm with the children, too," replied
the assistant nurse. "But Shesa's a dear, and has extraor-
dinary good sense. She is going to form a class in Red
Cross first-aid work.':
THE REAL CROSS NURSES
37
"Yes, and we'll give the instructions," said Miss Bossem;
"that is, if you are willing."
"Of course," answered Miss Helpem, "but what I meant
to tell you is that
Miss Shesa is going
to form a class for
children."
"What a lovely
idea!" exclaimed
Miss Bossem, pass-
ing on into the
clinic.
"Doctor, I'm
getting quite tired
of being here,"
complained little
Ibee to Doctor
Surecure, when he
met him in the cor-
ridor one day about
three weeks later.
"Of course it's
dandy to see so many banged-up people, but I'm nearly
well. My arm aches only on rainy days, and I can wiggle
my ringers fine."
"Good," smiled the doctor. "I'm thinking my-
self that we'll be parting with some of the Brave family
soon. Your mother and sisters are to leave us Sat-
urday."
"CAN'T I Go, Too, DOCTOR?"
38 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
"Can't I go, too, Doctor? Can't I?" begged the
little boy.
"Why, that's a pretty way to talk," replied the doctor.
"Don't you like us?"
"Oh, sure," said Ibee, "but the fellows miss me a lot,
you know."
"Why, what will your poor father do without any of
you?" teased Doctor Quickenquack, who happened to be
passing.
"Oh, I'll come see him every day," said Ibee. "He'll
love to hear all about home. Can't I go?"
"We'll think it over," said Doctor Quickenquack.
"And if we do decide to let you go," added Doctor
Surecure, "you must promise not to try to take off your
bandage."
"Oh, I promise," said Ibee. "Doctor Quickenquack
said that if I let my arm be in it long enough, I'd be able
to play baseball again; and besides, I want to show it to
the fellows."
"But you'll not pitch ball for some time to come, young
man," laughed the doctor.
So Mrs. Brave and the children were soon in their own
home, leaving poor Mr. Brave in the hospital. By the
time Mr. Brave was able to return, walking with a crutch,
they had formed three first-aid classes. Mrs. Brave's was
for grown-up ladies, and of this Shesa was a member.
Shesa herself, with Soami and Ibee's help, had formed two
others; one for Boy Scouts, and one for Camp Fire Girls.
CHAPTER VI
LESSONS IN FIRST AID
ISS HELPEM," said the head nurse to her
assistant, "how would it be for you to take
charge of Miss Brave's children's classes,
with her help, of course? If you think well
of that arrangement, I will take the adult
class, and leave the chil-
dren's instructions to
you."
"Nothing could
please me better, Miss
Bossem," answered Mary
Frances (I mean, Miss
Helpem). "I dearly love
dolls — oh, I meant to
say, children."
Miss Bossem laughed.
"Perhaps you'll grow up
some day," she teased.
"How would you like
to assist me with the
children's lessons?"
Miss Helpem was
talking with Shesa Brave.
Miss HILPXM WAS TAUUNQ WITH SKUA
BEAT*
(W)
40 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
" Oh, do you really think I would be able to do that?"
asked Shesa, delighted.
"Yes," answered the nurse, "Miss Bossem and I feel
quite certain you can be a great help in showing the boys
and girls what you learn in the women's class."
"I never felt so proud in my life!" declared the young
girl, hugging her first-aid kit close in her arms.
So it came about that when Mary Frances* dolls
gathered together for their lessons, it was Mary Frances
herself dressed in the spotless white uniform, with the
red cross on the arm and cap, of the American Red Cross
Society, who gave their—
FIRST LESSON
IN
FIRST AID TO THE INJURED
"Good morning, children," she began. "We will
imagine all kinds of troubles and accidents this morning,
and we will not be a bit gloomy over
them, for our thoughts will all be on how
we can help the sick and hurt people."
"Please, Miss Helpem, can't I be
the soldier?" begged Ibee Brave.
"And can't I pretend to drive the
field ambulance?" asked little Jack.
"And can't I be run over?" asked
another boy.
"Mercy, children," exclaimed the
"PLEASE, Miss HELPEM. tt i -± f ^ ..-
CAN'T i BE THE SOLDIER?" nurse, please wait for an explanation —
LESSONS IN FIRST AID
41
and in the next lesson, I'll assign you all something to do.
Now, ready with your note-books and pencils to take down
the list of articles needed for the medicine closet. You will
learn what they are to be used for later. Keep the list and
show it to your parents when you get home. Now write as
I dictate:
MEDICINE CLOSET
In every home there should be a certain closet or shelf high above
little children's reach, where the medicines and articles needed in
emergencies are kept. Among these should be found, plainly labeled,
the following:*
1. Tincture of Iodine.
2. Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia.
3. Boric Acid Powder.
4. Stearate of Zinc.
5. Pure Alcohol.
6. Lime Water.
7. Carron Oil.
8. Epsom Salt.
9. Soda Mint and Pepsin Tablets.
10. Baking Soda.
11. Household Ammonia.
12. Adhesive (Zinc Oxide) Plaster.
13. Tube Vaseline.
14. Capsicum Vaseline.
15. Peroxide of Hydrogen.
16. Castor Oil.
17. Witch Hazel.
18. Essence of Ginger.
19. Syrup of Ipecac.
20. Spirit of Camphor.
21. Sweet Spirit of Nitre.
22. Boric Acid Ointment.
23. Powdered Alum.
24. Borax.
25. Spiced Syrup of Rhubarb.
26. Picric Acid Gauze.
27. Aromatic Smelling Salts.
28. Oil of Cloves.
29. Normal Salt Solution.
30. Powdered Mustard.
31. Essence of Peppermint.
32. Tincture of Arnica.
33. Oil of Turpentine.
34. Aseptic Absorbent Cotton.
35. Sterile Gauze.
36. Triangular Bandages.
37. Roller Bandages.
38. Rubber Ear Syringe.
39. Fountain Syringe.
40. Measuring Glass.
41. Eye Dropper.
42. Hot Water Bottle.
* The full list of remedies, with explanatory notes, is given in the Ready
Reference Liet at the end of this book.
42 THE MART FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
The children wrote very quietly and listened attentively
to what Miss Helpem told them about being prepared for
Ordinary Household Accidents, such as cuts, burns, scalds,
bruises, stings, etc.
»•••••*•
"Children," beamed Miss Helpem as they finished
writing the list, "I never dreamed you could be so interested.
Why, not one of you has been inattentive! Now, as a reward,
I shall show you how—
To MAKE A SANITARY DRINKING CUP FROM ANT PIECE OP
CLEAN PAPER
TRACE THIS PATTERN
PRACTICE MAK1NQ THt CUP
«°;
h
iil
o
h
Z
'°v,
DIP
TRACE TH\5 Pfll
r
o
?
To MAKE A SANITARY DHINKINO CT
ROM ANY PlEPE OF PAPER
CHAPTER VII
SAFETY FIRST
E girls get our second lesson before you boys
do!" declared little Soami to her brother
Ibee at the lunch table the next day.
"I bet you don't have as much fun as
we do!" answered Ibee.
:<What is the next lesson about?" asked their father.
" It's about Safety First," replied Ibee. " I know that."
"Yes," agreed Soami, "but," glancing at the clock,
"I'll be late to class if I don't hurry. Mother, will you
excuse me?"
Her mother nodded and smiled, and Soami left hastily.
"Well, girls," began Miss Helpem, "to-day we have a
more serious time, for we're going to learn, in Lesson II,
What to Do in Case of Slight Cuts and Pin Pricks; Slight
Burns and Scalds; Frost Bites.
"Now, as you know, almost every accident could be
avoided if we thought ahead far enough; if we did not let
the knife or needle slip; if we did not allow little children to
carry scalding hot water or lighted lamps, or to play with
matches; if we looked up and down the street before cross-
ing. Yes, almost all accidents are avoidable if we think
far enough ahead— if we think 'Safety First.' "
Miss Helpem paused.
[43]
44
THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
"All ordinary everyday accidents," she went on, "if
treated rightly, will give but slight trouble; but if not treated
WELL, GIRLS, TO-DAY WE HAVE A MORE SERIOUS TIME"
rightly may bring much suffering to the victim, and even
cause 'blood poisoning' and death.
"So you see how necessary it is to understand 'What
to Do.' *
"Now, these serious dangers do not come from the
slight accidents themselves, but because of uncleanliness."
Again the assistant nurse paused, and she could not
SAFETY FIRST 45
help smiling at the look of astonishment on the faces of her
girl dolls.
"It is true, girls," she continued; "cleanliness is the
rarest thing in the world, and I will tell you why: because
everywhere about us, in the dust, in the air, on our clothing,
on our hands, in standing water, on the floor, on the ground
—everywhere, even though we cannot see them, are
GERMS
These little living particles are too small to be seen without a
microscope, but they cause more disease and deaths than any of the
big animals you are afraid of — like lions or bears or tigers. They
make great deep sores out of little cuts, and prevent wounds from
healing. So you can readily understand how necessary it is to keep
all materials which touch broken skin perfectly clean, and they cannot
be clean if touched by the hands. Neither is any material clean which
has come in contact with dust.
Understanding this, your aim will be to keep germs out of any
wound. If you do not have a first-aid outfit, you should have on
hand a small package of sterile gauze.* Sterile means perfectly free
from germs. Any cloth which has been washed and ironed is quite
safe, however, if it has not been used. You see. heat kills germs.
Use next to the wound the surface which has been folded inside.
Do not think that every germ does evil, for some germs are good
— just as some people are bad and some are good. Indeed, we depend
for some kinds of food upon the action of certain good germs. Among
such foods are cheese and vinegar.
* Sterile gauze is cheesecloth which has horn so treated thai it is frc«* of prnus
and is very absorbent. It is sold at all drup stores. It should be kept closely
wrapped, and the surface should never be touched with the hands before it is phuvd
on a wound.
If you do not have sterile gauze, keep old linen or cotton cloth i which hus
been urIZ washed and ironed] in glass jars, which have been boiled and dried in the
air without wiping.
THE MAHY PRANCES FIROT AID BOOK
The disease germs which we dread most in cases of wounds are
the germs of blood-poisoning and lockjaw (or tetanus). They are
everywhere about us, in standing water, air, dust. They cannot do
a bit of harm to the outside of the body, if the skin is unbroken
— no more than a fly can do to the armor of some old knight. But if
they can enter where the skin is broken, they begin to do all kinds
of harm, which sometimes results in months of suffering from
"infected" wounds, and sometimes finally causes the patient to lose
a leg or an arm — or perhaps to die.
"We have spent a great deal of time on the subject
of germs, children," continued Miss Helpem, "because
unless you really understand how necessary
cleanliness is, you may not be particular to
have clean materials."
"And clean hands," suggested Soami.
"Yes," smiled the nurse, "Soami has
noticed the nurses at the hospital washing
their hands for five minutes in order to have
them truly clean before attending to a
dressing on a patient."
The little girl looked around proudly upon
the class.
"Can't we begin the first-aid games
now?" asked one of the group.
"Not yet," the nurse shook her head. "Wait, please,
until you have learned what to do for —
SLIGHT CUTS AND PIN PRICKS
The bleeding from a slight cut is never very severe and will
generally stop of itself in a short time. It is best to let a slight cut
bleed a little, as the bleeding carries away the germs which may have
been on the edge of the knife or whatever caused the wound.
"AND CLEAN
HANDS." SUG-
GESTED SOAMI
SAFETY FIRST 47
Treatment:
Touch slight cuts with tincture of iodine;* or with alcohol; or
vinegar and water, half and half; or salt and water, a half teaspoonful
of salt to a cup of water.
Wrap with clean gauze.
In cases of severe hemorrhage (bleeding) send immediately for
a doctor. Stop bleeding by using pressure above or below wound,
or by bandaging a gauze compress on the wound.
Never give whiskey or alcohol in any form. It makes hemorrhages
worse. See Reference List.
BURNS AND SCALDS
(See Reference List)
Apply carron oil. See List of Medicines.
If carron oil is not at hand, use any dressing f to cover surface
to keep out the air — as lard, butter, olive oil — or sprinkle with
baking soda, or cover with white of egg, or with a paste made of
starch or flour and water. Also spread on compressf some of the
same remedy that has been applied to the burn. Hold compress in
place with a loose bandage.
Solution of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) made by dissolving
as much soda as possible in hot water (about one teaspoonful to a
cup) is particularly relieving to scalds. Dip cloths into this and
apply to the burned surface. Never remove skin from blisters. If
blisters are large, see the doctor.
* Soldiers on active service carry iodine to be applied to wounds immediately,
if possible — to kill germs. Iodine is a poison if swallowed, so be careful not to
leave it within the reach of small children.
t Important Note. — Dressings are everything applied to a wounded or sore
surface. A compress is the dressing which is placed directly upon the wound.
It is usually made of clean new gauze. A bandage is the dressing which holds the
compress (or other dressings) in place.
Compresses are used to —
1. Hold medication in place.
2. Protect sore place.
3. Stop bleeding.
48 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
How TO PUT OUT FLAMES
Caution. — If your clothing catches fire, do not run! Roll (in a rug,
if possible) on the floor or ground!
In putting out fire on another person's clothing, use rugs or
blankets. In throwing a rug on another person, be careful not to
allow your own clothing to catch fire. Let the sufferer lie down and
roll. Stand in back of the rug, and throw from the head downward.
If in a burning building, creep to the door on hands and knees to
avoid the smoke.
To AVOID ACCIDENTS FROM FIRE
1. Children should not make bonfires without the aid of older
persons.
2. Matches should be kept out of reach of small children.
3. Children should be taught to be careful of open fireplaces.
4. Children should be taught to roll if their clothing catches fire.
This would save scores of lives in a year.
Safety First. Look ahead! See the danger before the accident!
FROST BITES
When nose, ears, hands or feet are exposed to intense cold they
often become frost-bitten, turning purple at first. If frozen thor-
oughly, they turn waxy white; then no pain is felt, because the nerves
are frozen.
Treatment:
1. Keep patient in cold room.
2. Do not warm frozen parts quickly. Instead, rub with snow or
bathe with ice water until a tingling pain is felt; then stop.
If frozen parts are warmed too quickly, "gangrene" may result,
or perhaps the sudden heat may cause —
CHILBLAINS
Chilblains are the result of too rapid warming of cold parts,
generally feet or fingers. Sometimes for yoars after being frost-bitten,
SAFETY FIRST 49
exposure to severe cold will produce itching and burning, and perhaps
swelling and ulcers.
Treatment:
Rub with turpentine or alcohol. The rubbing in itself is excellent.
See doctor.
CHAPTER VIII
PRACTICE GAMES
HAT is all the lecture part of today's lesson,"
smiled Miss Helpem. "Now, for the prac-
tice."
She made a gesture toward Shesa Brave,
who came forward, and together they lifted
before the class the tiny medicine cabinet which Mary Fran-
ces' Aunt Maria had given her for her Dolls' Hospital.
"Let me see," said Miss Helpem. "Yes, we have
everything here, I believe. Girls, you may all come look."
The dolls — I mean, girls — gathered around the little
glass closet and compared the labeled bottles and packages
with the list given them in the previous lesson.
They were delighted with the beautiful cleanliness of
the closet — its bright glass door and white shelves and
shining enamel frame.
"Now," continued Miss Helpem, "please divide into
groups of two. That will make five groups. We will play
that one girl in each group is the mother, and the other
her child. The child has cut her hand while slicing bread.
Mothers, what will you do? What will be your first-aid
treatment? "
Mary Frances — I mean, Miss Helpem — was delighted
with the girls' answers and with the way in which they
sought out the iodine bottle, and wrapped the supposed
injury with narrow gauze.
150]
PRACTICE GAMES
51
"In the next practice game, the 'child' acts as mother
and 'mother' as 'child,' "' said the assistant nurse. "This
WRAPPED THE SUPPOSED INJURY WITH NARROW GAUZE
time the 'child's' clothing has caught fire from a spark
which snapped out of the fireplace."
The girls laughed.
The nurse smiled. ''Girls," she said, " these games may
make you feel like laughing, but please keep in mind how
52 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
serious the real accident would be, and try to learn what
to do. You will be so much better able to live useful
lives."
You see, Mary Frances didn't quite remember that
they were only dolls. Even so, they have served a very
useful purpose if they only teach the readers of this book
some of their lessons.
"Ready, now, for practice," said the nurse. "Girl
No. 2 of each group is to act as a little daughter whose
frock has caught fire."
The girls remembered not to run, and "pretended" to
smother out the flames.
"That was so well done," said Miss Helpem, "that no
one was severely burned, so we'll merely have to treat for
slight burns."
The "mother" girl from each group went to Shesa
Brave for carron oil, which she applied on gauze com-
presses to imaginary hurt fingers.
Then they reversed parts again, and played the "child"
had frosted her fingers. The "mother" girls rubbed the
fingers with imaginary snow, gradually restoring the cir-
culation of the blood in the "frozen" parts.
Throughout all their fun the girls acted in a serious,
purposeful manner.
"I'm not so certain that boys would 'play in earnest,"
said Miss Helpem to Shesa.
"I think they would," replied the young girl. "I'm
certain Ibee is just as interested as Soami," which pleased
the assistant nurse more than I can tell you.
CHAPTER IX
THE HIKERS
HE assistant nurse had very little time for
the next lesson in the boys' class, so she gave
them only notes in the morning, promising
the practice games at four o'clock in the
afternoon. After telling them of this plan,
she began the lesson.
"Probably you boys have never thought of the fact that
the little pipes and larger tubes which carry the blood may
be broken under the skin," Miss Helpem said. "When
the blood gathers in dark purplish spots underneath the
unbroken skin, you have what is called a bruise or contusion.
BRUISES (CONTUSIONS)
(See Reference List)
"Black and blue" spots which result from bleeding under the
skin are caused by falls or blows, or pinching (as in door or window).
Treatment:
Apply cold water or ice wrapped in a cloth, or an ice bag, or bathe
with half water and half alcohol, or witch hazel, or arnica.
If an arm or finger, hold up over the head.
If severe, after the pain and swelling have lessened, use hot applica-
tions, wringing cloths out of hot water, changing them as they cool,
ur u.se a hot-water bag.
For ''black eye," bathe with ice-cold water, or use cloths
wrung out of water as hot as can be borne.
Massage gently for discoloration.
NOTE. — Never open a blood blister — apply hot water.
[53]
54 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
SPRAINS
(See Reference List)
should be treated as soon as possible by a physician, but while waiting
for the doctor, use cold water applications. If cold water does not
relieve the pain in an hour's time, try hot water.
Do not attempt to use the sprained joint.
STINGS AND BITES OF INSECTS
(See Reference List)
For stings of bees and bites of spiders, apply any of the following
list:
Mud.
Slice of onion.
Household ammonia.
Paste made of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda).
Spirit of camphor.
Miss Helpem paused. "While we are thinking about
insects," she said, "I wish to speak of—
THE FILTHY FLIES
If you could look at the bottom of a fly's foot under
the microscope, you would see thousands of the most dis-
gusting germs, particularly of the dreaded typhoid fever.
Please remember that it is far more important to pre-
vent disease than to cure — so do all that you can to keep
flies out of the house, out of food, off the baby's bottle and
body. Just looking at this picture shows you a little of
what must go into baby's mouth after the fly has stolen a
bit of baby's breakfast. How many of you promise to do
everything you can to reduce the number of flies in this
Tmc HIKERS
55
beautiful country of ours — by destroying them and by
removing their breeding places, which are in manure piles?"
Every boy's hand shot up.
" Thank you," smiled the assistant nurse. "I can see
KKF.P I*I,IF> OfT or FOOD. OFF TIIF, BABY'S BOTTLE
that the boys of this class an' to be real soldiers of health
for this entire community."
"Please, Miss Helpem," said Ibee Brave, "there are
two more animals I would like to learn something about.
One is the mosquito, and the other is fleas."
The boys laughed.
''Not animals. Ibee insect^." corrected Miss
56 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
"We will not have time to speak at length of the mosquito,
for that would make a whole lesson in itself, but I do want
to say that mosquitoes are the cause of some of our worst
diseases, for they carry disease germs from one person's
blood into another's. To destroy them, kerosene oil
should be sprayed or sprinkled or poured on the surface of
any stagnant water; for mosquito babies (wigglers) live in
stagnant (standing) water. Please remember this: one
old tin tomato can half full of water will be an ample amount
to supply a whole neighborhood with young mosquitoes in
a short time, so overturn any old tins you see, just to help
in a good cause."
"Now, Ibee," she continued, after a slight pause, "I
will tell you
How TO RID A HOUSE OF FLEAS
Dust naphtha flakes* all over the floors. Leave twenty-four
hours, if possible, then sweep up and sprinkle the sweepings with
kerosene to destroy the eggs before throwing away.
"I say, fellows," sang out Ibee Brave, after the class was
dismissed, "let's go on a hike like any good scouts. Gee,
I wish I were twelve years old, so I could be a boy
scout!"
"We treat you just as if you were one. Let's go over
to the river bank," suggested their patrol leader. At the
signal, off they started over the hills of the sand-pile
of Mary Frances' playroom, coming at length to Painted
River and Looking Glass Lake, on which floated the toy
* May be bought at drug store, or large department store.
THE HIKERS
57
ducks and swans which Mary Frances' little friend Eleanor
had given her for a Christmas present.
When they re-assembled at four o'clock, the assistant
"You MUST HAVE HAD GOOD TREATMENT"
nurse was surprised at their appearance, for several swollen
faces were plastered in blotches of mud.
"Wo don't need any practice games," commented one
of the boys.
"We have had real practical practice," explained their
leader.
"I should judge you had," said Miss Ilelpein, looking
over the group. "Do tell me what happened."
"When we left here, we started <>n a hike tit the river.'
58 THE MABT FRANCES FIBST AID BOOK
went on the leader, "and after we had rested a little
while, we began a game of baseball. Tom Holden was
catcher, and somehow when he leaned over to fasten his
"I HELD MY FINGER IN IT"
shoe, bang! the ball went into his eye — an accident, of
course."
"At first I thought it had put my eye out," said Tom,
"but the fellows used 'first aid' immediately."
"I never saw a 'black eye' look better," praised the
assistant nurse. "You must have had good treatment."
"Next," continued the leader, "I raised a blood
blister on my finger, splitting kindling wood for a camp
fire. Thr follow? mado some water hot on the firo, and I
THE HIKERS 59
held my finger in it — but if it hadn't been that we
were 'first aiders/ I wouldn't have noticed a little thing
like that."
"And last of all," said Ibee Brave, "I stepped into a
hornets' nest!"
"I can imagine the rest of the story," smiled Miss
Helpem. "And I can understand why you haven't clean
faces!"
"But you can't imagine how grand it was to know 'what
to do,' " protested Ibee Brave through swollen lips.
"Well, bo3rs," said the assistant nurse, "after this day's
happenings, I think we will not need any practice games.
I'm very glad nothing really serious occurred, and that
your first-aid knowledge prevented suffering."
"Say, Miss Hclpcm, you wouldn't mind not saying any-
thing to the other class about the things that happened,
would you? We might just pass it off without much
explanation, you know."
"I promise secrecy!" laughed the assistant nurse.
CHAPTER X
ON LOOKING GLASS LAKE
HE boys, however, forgot that Mary Frances7
girl dolls were Camp Fire Girls, and " Blue
Birds," and that girls as well as boys go on
hikes — and meet with mishaps.
The mother of Soami Brave's chum was
the Guardian of their Camp Fire. The very afternoon that
the boys wrerit hiking, she took the girls of the first-aid
class for a boat ride on Looking Glass Lake. They
didn't happen to meet any of the boys, however.
The sun shone very brightly into the playroom window,
a beam falling radiantly upon Looking Glass Lake and
reflecting brightly upon the faces of the happy boating
party.
" Isn't this lovely!" sighed Soami, as they drifted under
the shade of a Christmas cedar tree which Mary Frances
had planted on the edge of the lake.
"Isn't it, though!" said Angie, her little chum; "only
isn't the sun hot, Mother!"
"It certainly is, dear," agreed her mother. "I didn't
realize, or I would have told you to powder your faces to
prevent sunburn."
"Why, Mother!" exclaimed Angie, "you have always
disapproved of face powder, and here you are recom-
mending powder!"
[60]
ON LOOKING GLASS LAKE
61
"I know," laughed her mother, "but I refer to toilet or
talcum powder, a coat of which might prevent sunburn.
THE LITTLE PARTY SOON SCATTERED TO PICK WILD FLOWERS
As it is now, you girls will probably have to ask Miss
Helpem's advice."
"Our class meets to-morrow morning," said Soami.
" Isn't that good!"
By this time the little party had beached the boat on
the shore and soon scattered to pick wild flowers.
62
THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
At the sound of "Wohelo," the girls gathered for their
homeward trip.
"My, how my hand and arm burn and itch," exclaimed
one of the girls, scratching her arm.
"Oh, perhaps that is plant poison!" cried Soami. "Do
you know poison ivy
when you see it?"
"No," the girl re-
plied. "What does
it look like?"
"My big brother,
Ima, explained it
this way to me,"
replied Soami:
POISON IVY
This vine runs along
the ground and climbs
trees in just the same
way as the beautiful
Virginia Creeper, it is
quite readily distin-
guished, however, for
Poison Ivy has but three
leaves in a cluster, while
Virginia Creeper has five_
leaves.
The poison rash is caused by the irritating juices of the plant.
" MY, How MY HAND AND ARM BURN AXD ITCH '
"My, I wish I'd known that when gathering my
flowers," sai<l another girl. "I really believe I've gathered
ON LOOKING GLASS LAKE
ivy?
said Soami. "Please throw it over-
some poison ivy among them. Look, is this the
It has three leaves."
"It certainly is,
board. You may
have a case of ivy
poison 'for fair,'
though not every-
body 'takes' poi-
son. May be you'll
be lucky."
"I sincerely
hope so," said the
girl so fervently
that everybody
laughed.
"Well, any-
how, don't
scratch!" warned
the Guardian of
the Fire.
But the next
morning's class
hour revealed the
result of the day's
adventures. Two
girls came with
bad cases of plant
poison, and nearly every girl had been sunburned.
"Well, well," said the assistant nurse, when the girls
told of their experiences. "Although I'm sorry for you,
:TT HAS THRF.K LEAVES"
64 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
this is really very interesting, for it will make you girls see
the real helpfulness of our lessons. You can very soon
relieve each other of your unpleasant skin irritations, for
I shall give you notes on what to do for—
SUNBURN
(See Reference List)
Sunburn is the result of exposure to the direct or reflected rays
of the sun, sometimes causing the skin to blister and peel.
To Prevent:
Before exposure, spread over the face and arms, cold cream or
any grease at hand — even cream off milk; or use toilet powder.
Keep the head covered, but have air space between the top of the
hat and top of head.
Treatment:
Never wash sunburn.
Never open the blisters.
Mix a lotion of one part limewater to three parts olive oil (sweet
oil), and apply.
You see, the treatment is very much the same as for burns.
PLANT POISONING
(See Reference List)
Poison Ivy and a few other plants cause a rash upon the skin
after contact with their irritating juices. Everyone should learn to
distinguish poison ivy, which has three leaves, not five, as has the Virginia
Creeper (see picture in this chapter). If this poisonous plant were
recognized and avoided, there would be but few cases of plant poisoning.
Treatment:
Do not scratch.
Mop on rash a saturated solution of Epsom salt, or boric acid,
ON LOOKING GLASS LAKE 65
or baking soda,* with a small "sponge" of absorbent cotton, which
is to be thrown away after using. Allow application to dry in the air.
PRICKLY HEAT
Prickly Heat is an itching redness of the skin caused from over-
heating the body. It appears oftenest on babies; sometimes on older
people whose skin is very sensitive.
Treatment:
Bathe with a pure soap, as Castile.
Then bathe with a mixture of one part alcohol to three parts water.
Dust with talcum powder.
HIVES (NETTLE RASH)
These itching lumps, which resemble mosquito bites, usually
indicate stomach or intestinal trouble. They seem to appear after
exposure to first, extreme heat; then, to sudden chill. Sometimes
they are caused by certain foods; as fish or berries.
Treatment:
For the itching, rub with table salt.
Give a cathartic. Citrate of magnesia is excellent.
Then give a half-teaspoon table salt twice a day for iwo or three
days.
An old-fashioned home remedy is one-quarter teaspoonful cream
of tartar in one-quarter glass of water three times a day, at morning,
noon and evening, for three days.
If hives persist, see doctor.
"Did you have it nil planned to give us this lesM>n,
Miss Helpem?" asked Soami Brave, while the girls bathed
their sunburned faces as directed, and treated the poison
ivy rash with the Epsom salt solution.
*To MAKE A SATTI:ATKI> Soi.m<>N
*Stir into a small amount of boil*'<l water, all that can be dissolved.
66 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
"Do you really want to know?" asked the assistant
nurse.
"Please tell us," they begged.
"Well, to tell the truth," replied Miss Helpem, "your
needs seemed to require this lesson so much — that I didn't
have to invent a game at all — I just put you into practical
practice."
"By the way, Miss Helpem," suggested Angie, "would
you mind not telling the boys' class about what happened?"
"I promise secrecy," said Miss Helpem. The girls
wondered why she and Shesa Brave laughed so heartily—
they didn't know that the boys had been given the same
promise.
CHAPTER XI
Two BOYS ARE LATE
WO boys were absent when the class met for
the next lesson.
"How disappointed I am," said Miss
Hclpcm. "This is the first time anyone has
missed a lesson."
"Perhaps Tom and Jim will come late," suggested
Ibec Brave, and just as he spoke steps were heard.
Ibee opened the door and in came the two boys. Jim
was holding a handkerchief to his nose, which was bleeding
profusely.
"He didn't want to come in," explained Tom to the
nurse, "but I told him you could make it stop. He said
he didn't believe so, for he'd tried everything. He kept
saying he ought to lie down, and I kept saying he ought to
sit up to keep the blood from flowing so easily."
Tom stopped to take a breath. You see he had great
confidence in Miss Helpem's first-aid help ever since his
experience with his "black eye."
"You were right, Tom," said Miss Hclpcm, showing
Jim to a scat before the class. "If you do not mind, Jim,
I will give the boys their lesson now on what to do for—
NOSEBLEED
(See Reference Lid)
1. Sit patient upright.
'J. Kaiso arm on blooding side.
68
THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
3. Wrap neck and forehead with towels dipped in cold water.
4. Sniff ice water and salt up nostrils. One-half teaspoon salt
to a glass of water.
5. Place a piece of ice under the upper lip. Hold ice, wrapped
in cloth, on the bridge of the nose.
6. If bleeding still continues, use a small piece of absorbent cotton
as a wedge or plug or cork.
Fasten a thread to the cot-
ton— to be used to remove
it. Dip it into peroxide of
hydrogen, and push gently
into bleeding nostril with a
pencil.
Shesa Brave
brought the articles
needed as Miss Helpem
worked, and in a very
few seconds after the
nurse had used the
cotton wedge, Jim's
nose stopped bleeding.
It was an excellent
lesson for the boys,
who didn't realize that
the next day they
would only be dolls,
whose noses may break,
but not bleed. Still, if you can remember what to do, those
dolls will never mind.
After Jim took his usual place Miss Helpem continued
the lesson.
JIM WAS HOLDING A HANDKERCHIEF TO
His NOSE
Two BOYS ARE LATE 69
"Let me see," she said, "I think, after nosebleed, per-
haps the next most common complaints are earache and
toothache and a few other little aches.
Now, as to —
EARACHE
(See Reference List)
This dreadful pain is generally caused by hardening of the wax in
the ear from cold. To prevent wax from hardening, use a little
common red (unbleached) vaseline in the ear.
Treatment:
Hold ear over a cloth wrung out of hot water on which is sprinkled
some pure alcohol.
With a medicine dropper, drop into ear some warm olive oil; or
saturate a small piece of absorbent cotton with the warm olive oil,
and place in ear — cover with dry cotton.
(Mothers often use one drop of laudanum in the olive oil, but
laudanum is too dreadful a poison for children to handle.)
For watery discharge after earache, it is best to see a doctor,
but a sprinkling of boric acid in the ear will usually relieve the trouble.
If earache recurs often, see the doctor.
FOR INSECT IX THE EAR
Drown insect by filling ear with warm olive oil.
(Mothers sometimes pour a little, pure alcohol
into the ear to drown and shrink insect.)
FOR "SOMETHING" IN THE EYE
1. Wink — do not rub.
2. Hold upper lid over under lid, and blow oppo-
site nostril.
Remember that almost always an object in the eye will work
itself out if the eye is kept closed.
Wash the eye with boric acid solution in an eye-cup.*
* To use an eye-cup, 611 it about three-quarters full; hold it over the eye while
bending the head forward. Throw head back, holding cup over eve, and open and
abut eve several times.
70 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
TOOTHACHE
As soon as possible see a dentist. There would be but little
toothache if children were taken in time to a good dentist. This
applies even to first teeth, for if first teeth are neglected, the second
teeth are affected.
Treatment:
If the tooth feels long, with a throbbing pain, there is trouble
with the nerve. Paint gum with iodine, being careful not to
swallow any. For painting, use a small ball of cotton
twisted or tied fast to the end of a toothpick. Never
dip the used cotton back into the iodine.
If the tooth aches, look for a cavity, clean out
the cavity with a toothpick.
Fill cavity with absorbent cotton wet with essence
of peppermint or red pepper water or oil of cloves, and
cover with dry cotton.
SPLINTERS
Be careful not to break splinter; pull it out from
TOOTHACHE direction in which it entered.
If no end appears above the skin, open the skin
with a needle, but dip the needle into alcohol first to kill germs.
Every medicine closet should contain a splinter extractor or
tweezers. They cost from five to ten cents.
HICCOUGH
Hiccough is usually caused by indigestion.
Treatment:
A few soda-mint tablets are generally helpful.
Xino or more swallows of water without breathing is a good old-
fatihionod remedy. .So, also, is holding a deep breath.
If hiccough continues, mothers usually give children a cup of warm
water in which is dissolved a half teaspoon mustard powder — to cause
the child to "throw up" whatever is causing trouble in the stomach.
Two BOYS ARE LATE 71
"Now, I sec some of you shuddering," laughed the
nurse, "and no one can blame you, but sometimes hiccough
becomes very serious, and it is better to take the nasty dose
of mustard water than to endanger the heart's action from
hiccoughing. But just to console you, I will give some
hints as to —
How TO STOP NAUSEA (SICK STOMACH)
Cracked ice* held in the mouth, and allowed to melt slowly is
excellent.
Soda mint is good.
CHILLS
Chills usually show that a person is going to be ill. See a
doctor.
Never cool off suddenly. Do not sit down in a cool, breezy place
when in a perspiration. It is very dangerous and has caused many a
person to "catch his death of cold."
If a person becomes chilled from exposure:
1. Use hot-water bags (or stones or bricks, heated in the oven)
or hot stove lids or flatirons, covered with paper or cloth to prevent
burning the patient. Place them under the arms and at the feet.
2. Rub the patient's limbs toward the body.
.'{. Give hot coffee or tea or hot lemonade.
t. Keep well wrapped.
.">. (live a hot foot bath in xvhk-h is" a teaspoonful powdered
mustard.
b'. \Yrap in blanket and put to bed.
* An easy way to crack ice is to place a piece ahout the size of your fi?t in a
strong piece of cloth, and hammer it into bit-;.
To keep ice chips, lay a piece of wool flannel OVIT n 5:11.1!! sieve, and place the
chipped ice on this, allowing it to drain info a !>u\vl \\rap the t!.tnn«-! over (iit-
!»•!• This keep? the ^artn air o'i( fn-'m ihc ice. airJ the r'.'M air in
72 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
FAINTING
(See Reference List)
Fainting is caused when too small an amount of blood flows to
the head.
To Prevent:
Oftentimes, bending the head forward until between the knees,
spreading knees apart, prevents a person from fainting, for the blood
then flows to the head.
To restore a person who has fainted:
Keep people away. Patient needs air.
Lay patient flat on floor with no pillow, having fresh air in room.
Fan patient.
Loosen clothing about neck.
Hold household ammonia or smelling salts to nose.
Dash a little cold water in face.
Coffee may be given after patient recovers consciousness.
"That is all the lesson for to-day," said the assistant
nurse, "and you've all been so attentive that I would like
to give you a reward."
"I don't think that we need any reward, Miss Helpem,"
said Tom Holden, "when you've done so much for us all,
already. Gee, you make me feel like being a doctor when
I grow up!"
"I hope not all of you feel that way," laughed Miss
Helpem. "A doctor in a town full of doctors would have
a difficult time making a living."
"That's not true of first-aiders though," said Tom.
CHAPTER
PLANS
0 firecrackers, and no toy pistols!" exclaimed
Ibee Brave to his Sister Soami, when she
told him about the lesson given the girls' class
the day before. "That's all right for
girls, but I can't imagine boys on the
glorious Fourth without firecrackers and pistols!"
'You wait until you hear what Miss Helpem told us.
Your lesson comes this afternoon, doesn't it
change your mind," prophesied Soami.
"Pooh!" exclaimed Ibee. "I bet I don't!
of a fellow would I be, with a brother
off with the troops in Mexico, if I
were afraid of a toy pistol!"
" Oh, dear me," laughed Soami, " you
don't understand. It's not the pistol
you ought to be afraid of; it's—
You ma
What kind
"Oh, say, talk sense, can't you?"
exclaimed Ibcc. "What are you driv-
ing at, anyhow?"
'That's all for the present, class,"
replied Soami. tantalizingly, as she ran
off with Angie, who had just appeared.
Ibee decided to hunt up Tom Ilolden before going to
class, to find out what he knew. But Tom hadn't heard
miythiug about the question.
74 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID
"I don't see any harm in a few proper celebra-
tions," said Tom. "What's Miss Helpem's idea, I
wonder?"
By the time the class assembled all the boys had heard
something about "Miss Helpem's Fourth of July idea,"
and there was an unusual air of expectancy as the assistant
nurse came into the class room carrying — what do you
think? — a toy pistol, a bunch of tiny firecrackers, a bunch
of medium-sized firecrackers, and some "giant cannon"
crackers. Of course, they were very tiny, just the right
size for Mary Frances' dolls. The "cannon" crackers
were like the tinest real ones you ever saw.
Miss Helpem had just laid them all on the little glass
table near the little glass medicine closet, when Shesa
Brave came in carrying a little cannon — which would
really "go off, if loaded."
The boys certainly were surprised, for they thought they
were to hear these very toys condemned.
"Good afternoon, boys," smiled Miss Helpem, straight-
ening her cap. "This is to be a very interesting lesson. It's
our Fourth of July lesson, even though the Fourth doesn't
come until next Tuesday. I hope we are all going to have
a grand time on the Fourth. The girls' class have planned
their part in the town event. Doctor Surecure is in charge,
you know. He is planning a civic and patriotic celebration.
I shall ask Miss Shesa to read you the program. You will
notice that your space is left blank. That is, left open so
that we may fill it in to-day. Now, Shesa, read if you
please."
Shesa read the —
PLANS 75
PROGRAM FOR FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
10.00 A. M. Bugle Call to Village Green.
10.05 A. M. Music by Town Band.
10.10 A. M. Reading of Declaration of Independence.
By the Mayor.
10.20A.M. Flag Raising. Singing: "Star Spangled Banner."
10.30 A. M. Parade Assembles.
11.00 A. M. Parade Moves:
1. Up Main Street.
2. Through River Avenue.
3. Along Lake Drive.
4. Down Main Street to Village Green.
Order of Parade:
1. Master of Ceremonies on Horseback.
2. Town Council on Horseback.
3. Hearus Band.
•J. The Red, White and Blue.
Borne by Six Boy Scouts.
."). The Boy Scouts.
(Who will arrange their own program.)
G. Float:
Camp Fire Girls.
7. The Spirit of 70.
S. Float:
Our Veterans.
0. Float:
The Spirit of 1010.
10. Floats:
First Aiders:
(a) Girls.
(6) Boys.
1 1. Future Citizens:
Babv Parade.
76 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
12. Float:
Our Hope.
School House, over which the Dove of Peace hovers
with outstretched wings, just under the American
Flag.
Decorated Dollsmobiles.
(Best to be awarded a silver cup.)
Intermission.
2.00 P. M. Bugle Call to Village Green.
2.05 P. M. Music by Hearus Band.
Reading of Lincoln's Address at Gettysburg.
By the Mayor.
2.15 P. M. (a) Work Horse Parade.
(6) Pony Parade.
3.00 P. M. Prizes Awarded.
3.15 P. M. Singing — "America."
3.30 P. M. Races:
1. Sack Race.
2. Three-legged Race.
(By girls and boys.)
3. Hurdle Race.
4. Fencing Contest.
(Between two boys.)
5. Flag Drill.
By Boy Scouts
and
Blue Birds.
4.30 P. M. Music — Hearus Band.
5.00 P. M. Regatta on Looking Glass Lake.
In the evening, fireworks will be set off on the Village Green in
front of Town Hall.
Music by Hearus Band.
PLANS 77
Notice to the Public.
It will be unlawful to use firecrackers and toy pistols or blank
cartridges. By order of the Town Council.
Signed by THE MAYOR.
"Some program!" commented Tom Holdcn.
"But why not let us have firecrackers and toy pistols?"
asked Ibec Brave.
"Yes, Miss Helpem,why not?" asked half a dozen voices.
"I am prepared for that question," smiled the assistant
nurse. "If you will kindly open your note-books, I think
by the end of this lesson you will understand that it is not
because anyone wishes to deny you fun that you are asked
not to use these little toys," pointing to the table, "but
because — well, after you have heard the lesson, I think you
will know something about the danger from—
GUNPOWDER WOUNDS
Gunpowder is not antiseptically clean. It is very dirty because
it contains so many of the deadly germs of lockjaw.
This germ has such a terrible effect upon the body that if not
destroyed in time, it causes the jaws to lock so tightly together that
they cannot be forced open. Gradually the patient starves to death
and finally dies in terrible convulsions of pain.
Toy pistols, firecrackers, blank cartridges, being loaded with
gunpowder are very dangerous playthings, and their use should be
discouraged. Any physician or nurse will tell you that the hospitals
have many deaths from tetanus (lockjaw) after the Fourth of July.
WHAT TO Do KOR POWDER WOUNDS
See a doctor.
Absolutely every wound of this character mufl be treated with
anti-tetanic serum.
If doctor is not seen immediately, paint with iodine and anoint
with vaseline: but the doc-tor must be seen.
78
"We never understood the dangers before, Miss Helpem.
Now, what will we have in that parade?" spoke up the
scout patrol leader.
"We need decide only about the float of the first-
aiders," said Miss Helpem. "Your scout-master will
confer with you scouts as to the other part of the program."
"Oh, yes," rejoined the patrol leader; "but, Miss
Helpem and Miss Shesa, have you thought out anything
for our first-aiders' float?"
"To confess the truth," laughed the nurse, "I think
Miss Shesa has no less than twenty ideas. Will you make
a few suggestions to the boys?" turning to her.
"Miss Helpem has more ideas in a minute than I have
in an hour," began Shesa, "but she thought one of my
ideas good. It seemed to me that you boys might fix up
an improvised first-aid tent on your float, leaving it on the
Village Green after the parade. In case any real accident
occurred, Miss Helpem could have at hand everything she
needed — for somebody might be foolish enough to get hurt.
Then you could really do a little actual service by being
at her call."
"It sounds wonderfully important," said the patrol
leader.
"Only I do wish you boys had had some lessons in
bandaging," commented Miss Helpem. "But we'll all do
our best, anyway, and look forward with pleasure to those
lessons."
"Why couldn't we have a little chap all bandaged up,
with that toy cannon at his feet and a string of firecrackers
and a toy pistol in his hands, with a printed card on him
PLANS
79
saying, 'I used these toys on the Fourth/ and another little
perfectly well chap all dressed in bunting, carrying a flag
"THAT'S A FINE IDEA"
and holding a horn, bearing a sign, 'I didn't'?" asked the
patrol loader.
"That's a fine idea," said Ibee Brave, "but where do
we come in?"
"We? Oh, we— ' the patrol leader answered so lamely
that everybody laughed.
80 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
"I can tell you, boys, a good way to be better pre-
pared for important work," said Miss Helpem. "If you
are willing to take two more lessons before the Fourth, I
feel quite certain Miss Shesa will show you the simplest
first-aid bandages. She has been taking a full course in
first-aid at the hospital, you know. Then, on the float,
you may adjust bandages to each other."
"That's awfully kind of Miss Shesa," said the leader.
"Will all you fellows come?"
Everybody said yes, and the class was dismissed.
"Say, I wonder what the girls are going to do," ex-
claimed Tom Holden suddenly on the way home.
"That's so ! I wonder why we didn't ask? " said another
boy.
"I'll try to find out," said Ibee Brave.
CHAPTER Xin
A SAXE FOURTH OF JULY
OAMI, what are the girls going to do in the
parade — on your float, I mean?" asked
Ibee, yawning sleepily, as he stretched out
in a steamer ehair near the hammock in
which Soami rocked on the porch of the
Brave family's cottage.
"Just — as — though — I'd — tell — you," yawned Soami in
imitation of Ibee's manner.
"Say, go on, tell me, won't you?" said Ibee. "I'll
tell you a little about ours if you do."
'Yum, yum," sang Soami. "I might possibly tell you
a little— you tell first."
"Has Shesa anything to do with your plans? " asked Ibee.
"Oh, so she's going to give you lessons in bandaging,
too!" exclaimed Soami, realizing the next instant that she
had given a secret away, but the "cat was out of the bag."
Then Ibee began to laugh. "Caught you this time,
Sister," he teased. "Shesa wouldn't give me a hint."
"Anyhow, I think you were awful!" said Soami. "I'll
watch out for you after this."
'Tell me more? Please do," begged I boo, but Soami
had gone indoors where she felt safer.
Shesa Brave taught the boys and girls so well that
within the week they were quite familiar with the use of—
[si I
82 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
TRIANGULAR BANDAGES
Bandages cut in the form of triangles are the most useful first-
aid bandages, for they are very readily adjusted, and may be applied
to so many different uses; for instance:
To hold dressings (compresses) in place.
To support broken or fractured parts of the body (sling).
We will have on hand for our uses:
One large triangular bandage, made from a piece of unbleached
muslin one yard square.
Cut the muslin across diagonally, as shown in "A."
Two smaller triangular bandages, made by cutting a large triangular
bandage across as in "B."
Of course any piece of goods may be used for a bandage, even
handkerchiefs or torn clothing; but we are speaking about the best
kind of bandages to have ready for use.
NOTE. — For triangular bandage for doll twenty-one inches high, cut a piece
of soft muslin or lawn sixteen inches square. Cut across diagonally for one large
triangular bandage. To make the small triangular bandage, cut across the
remaining triangular piece.
Triangular bandages are used —
1. Unfolded.
2. Folded.
When the triangular bandage is repeatedly folded on itself it
becomes the "cravat" bandage.
The triangular bandage, either unfolded or folded, may be used
on any part of the body. The smaller triangles are used for the hands
and feet and the jaw.
NOTE. — In the ready-made first-aid packets will be found a tri-
angular bandage, on which are printed sketches of the manner in which
the bandage is applied.
You may see how these bandages are used by looking
at the picture (page 83) of Rose Mary, Mary Frances'
big dolly, which she bandaged so skilfully that all her
TRIANGULAR BANDAGES
CRAVAT BANDAG6
\/
X \
cl d.
TR\ANGUUR
A SANE FOURTH OF JULY
85
friends felt certain that she had been taught by fairy
teachers.
If you practice putting these kinds of bandages on your
dolls perhaps you will be able some day to help somebody
Tut GIRLS AITEARED RIADY FOB THE PARADE
who gets hurt, and seem yourself like a fairy to
person whoso pain you helped.
The children became so enthusiastic in practising the
various methods of bandaging that it grew to bo quite a
joke in their homes. Many times they waylaid the various
members of their families, whom they wouldn't lot go until
they were bandaged to look like heroes from the battlefield.
The boys tried in vain to find out what the girls' class
86 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
had planned for their Fourth of July "float." They
taxed their brains guessing, but no one was more surprised
than they when the girls appeared ready for the parade,
all dressed in nurses' outfits, decorated with a red cross,
each carrying a big doll, bandaged, head, hand, arm, foot,
in first-aid triangular bandages. In the center of the group,
Mike, the Brave family's pet bulldog, was comfortably
perched, swathed in bandages. Mike wore a large placard
which read:
"See what fire crackers and toy pistols may do to you!"
He seemed to enjoy this particular Fourth, however,
more than any other the Brave family could remember.
The boys did have three "real cases" for their first-aid
hospital tent.
A very foolish youth, notwithstanding the Mayor's
warning, shot off blank cartridges from a revolver, frighten-
ing a horse nearby, which broke its halter and ran away,
throwing the young man down so hard that he had to be
taken to the first-aid tent with a broken arm.
Ibee Brave and Tom Holden happened to be near,
and were very proud as they bore the sufferer to the impro-
vised hospital.
They hadn't noticed in their excitement that a little
boy had been wounded with the powder from the shot, and
felt mortified when two members of the girls' class followed
them into the tent with the little patient.
Miss Helpem sent for Doctor Quickenquack, who set
the big boy's broken arm and treated the little fellow's
powder wounds.
"The worst of it is, young man," said the doctor to the
A SANE FOURTH OF JULY 87
big boy, as he set the arm, "that not all the punishment
came to yourself. If these powder wounds become serious
for that youngster, you will be blame."
"I didn't realize, Doctor," replied the young man.
"I'll never need any further lesson — after all this, and
after I pay my fine."
The other "case" was a lady who fainted when she
saw the accident, and was quickly revived in the tent.
"I really believe that this is the best Fourth of July
celebration our town has ever known, Doctor," said the
Mayor, complimenting Doctor Surecure upon the success
of the day. " 'A sane Fourth,' as you said, will give more
pleasure, if people will co-operate, than all the din of fire-
crackers and thunder of powder. I'm sure we owe you
and your able first-aid classes our vote of thanks."
"Miss Helpem deserves all the credit for the first-aid
help," replied the doctor.
"Indeed no, thank you, Doctor," laughed Mary Frances
Helpem, coming up at that moment. 'To the boys and
girls of the classes belongs that praise."
SHESA, A RED CROSS NURSE
HAT do you hear from your brother, Shesa?"
asked Miss Bossem of Shesa Brave a few
days later, as she was leaving the advanced
class in first-aid.
The young girl looked troubled. "We
haven't heard a word for nearly five weeks," she replied.
"I have been thinking seriously of going to the front as a
volunteer nurse, hoping I may be able to get news of Ima."
"That seems like an excellent idea to me," said the
head nurse. "You, being a member of the American Red
Cross Society, can manage very nicely, I th^nk."
So, within a week, Shesa Brave started for Mexico.
She was put on duty in an emergency hospital along the
frontier. As the soldiers were brought in she scanned each
face eagerly, but many a weary day passed before she had
any tidings of Ima.
To every inquiry she sent out, the report came back,
"Missing."
A great fear came upon her that Ima had been killed.
She couldn't bear the thought that her big handsome brave
brother had died without even a record of what had hap-
pened; but she worked industriously, nursing other people's
brothers and writing letters to the loved ones at home to
relieve their anxiety.
[88]
SHESA, A RED CROSS NURSE 89
While taking a walk one day in her hours off duty,
Shesa wandered farther away from the hospital than usual.
She was thinking of Ima. Before realizing it, she had lost
her direction and found herself in a lovely little valley.
The scenery along the border had been so uninteresting, with
low cactus plants growing out of the sand, and scrub bushes
stretching away in low irregular outline, that this spot
came as a delightful surprise.
Spying a little cabin on the side of the mountain above
the valley, she decided to inquire the way back, and, quick-
ening her steps, reached it in a short time.
A slovenly woman appeared at the door. Five small
children surrounded her, pulling at her skirts as the}' saw
the stranger. The youngest set up a howl of disapproval as
Shesa came nearer. In her arms the woman held a baby
and in one hand a tin pan of maize or corn. A few chickens
came scurrying around the corner of the house as the
woman tapped a wooden paddle on the edge of the pan.
The woman stopped and eyed Shesa suspiciously as she
came still nearer.
"Good afternoon," said Shesa with a smile. ''Do you
speak English?"
"Howdy," grunted the woman. "Yes. Hush up,
will ye?" to the children, whose noises made conversation
difficult.
"United States?" she asked as she looked Shesa's
uniform over.
"Yes, yes," replied Shesa. "I'm a nurse."
"Xuss?" said the woman. "Then ye'll know what be
ailing him. Come in."
90 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
Shesa hesitated a moment before entering the low
cabin which was scarcely more than a hut; but, being a
"SISTER!" HE EXCLAIMED
brave girl, she thought, "If I am needed, I mustn't hesitate.
I'll try to find out what's wanted."
"Tell me about your trouble," she said kindly to the
woman. "Is your husband ill?"
"Nope," the woman shook her head, "he be all right.
It's a U. S. man we found up yonder," pointing up the
mountain road. "Been shot in arm. My man brought
him home, but his arm gets worse all time. You know
what to do?"
SHESA, A RED CROSS NURSE 91
"I think I can help," said Shesa, wishing with all her
heart she had brought her emergency kit with her. " Let
me see your patient."
The woman led the way into the only bedroom in the
cabin. On a rude wooden bed lay a young man, dressed
in a much soiled khaki uniform. At the sound of Shesa's
voice, he started up. " Sister!" he exclaimed. "Why,
this seems too good to be true! Oh, perhaps I'm dream-
ing. My arm pains so I guess I'm just 'seeing things'
from fever."
For one moment Shesa lost her self-control. Tears
filled her eyes and she longed to throw her arms about
Ima's neck and cry to her heart's content. "But I must not,"
she chidcd herself. "I must do everything I can to help him."
"It's not a dream, Ima, dear," she said as naturally as
if they were in their faraway home. "You are ill and cer-
tainly do need me. Let me see your arm."
The sight of his poor wounded arm made her feel sick,
for it evidently had been neglected from the first.
"How did it happen?" Shesa asked, as she tore her
apron into bandages and directed the woman to boil some
water on the open fire which she had seen outside.
She saw that Ima wanted to talk, sick and weary as
he was.
"I was taking a stroll alone one evening," he explained,
"not thinking of the least danger, for our camp lights
were scarcely out of sight. Suddenly I heard the report
of a gun, and felt an awful pain in my right arm. One of
the bandits had evidently spotted me from ambush. I'd
have been all right, but the fellow or an accomplice sprang
92 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
upon me, and after a struggle knocked me senseless and
took my emergency kit and everything else useful away
from me. The settler who owns this cabin found me and
brought me up here on his shoulders. His wife did what
she could for my wound, but it became infected almost
immediately, and I was too weak from loss of blood to walk
back to camp, even with the man's help. Besides, in some
way, I had a sprained ankle."
"Well, dear, you are going to be helped in every way
soon, so don't talk any more," said Shesa, taking off some
of the dirty rags which the woman had tied clumsily upon
Ima's ankle. She bathed the ankle in hot water and bound
it firmly in a figure-of-eight bandage, which gave him the
first ease from pain since the accident.
She replaced the outside layers of the dirty bandages
on his wounded arm. "The wounds may bleed if I take the
dressings off," she decided wisely, "and I have no remedies
here."
"I wonder why the man didn't go for help?" she
thought.
Just at that moment Ima whispered, "I would have sent
word to camp, but for some reason the settler seems afraid
—of the bandits, maybe."
"Well," said Shesa, "you rest here, and we'll soon have
help."
"But, Shesa, it will be dangerous for you to go," said
Ima. Then suddenly, "Why, how did you happen to come
here, anyhow?"
"Never mind, dear, I'll explain all that later," replied
Shesa.
SHESA, A RED CROSS NURSE 93
"But I want to hear now," insisted Ima, his eyes
bright with fever. So to satisfy him, Shesa briefly related
the story of her little walk.
"Now," she added "since the emergency hospital is so
near, you need not worry until I come back?"
He promised to try not to worry, and fell into a dozy
sleep within a few minutes.
CHAPTER XV
A TELEGRAM FROM MEXICO
HESA hurried along by the path she thought
she had taken to reach the cabin, but after
walking ten minutes, found herself going
in the wrong direction.
"How dreadful!" she exclaimed, "when
I am in such a hurry!"
She looked about her. "It is nearing sunset," she
whispered, looking at the ^ky. "Oh, I wish I knew the
way!"
Just at that moment a noise in the underbrush startled
her. Although very brave, she was dreadfully afraid of
snakes, even harmless ones, but she laughed when she saw
a tiny prairie dog scamper out of the bushes, stand on his
hind feet and look about him with blinking eyes.
"How foolish I am!" she thought, but shuddered again
as she heard someone stepping up behind her.
"I beg pardon," said a gentlemanly voice — and turn-
ing, you can imagine how relieved Shesa was to see a
United States soldier standing with his hat in his hand.
"Oh," she cried happily, "I'm so thankful to see you:
Will you help me find my way to the emergency hospital?"
Then she stopped and laughed. "I must apologize for
speaking this way," she said, "but you will understand my
excitement when I explain all that has happened to me
this afternoon."
[041
A TELEGRAM FROM MEXICO
95
The soldier quickly led the way as she talked.
They soon arrived at the emergency hospital, and aftei
Shesa's explanation, the doctors took her in a field ambu-
lance up to the cabin, the soldier showing the way.
Within two hours, Private Brave lay on a clean white
"WILL You HELP ME FIND MY WAY TO THE KMKHCENCY HOSPITAL?''
cot, with clean dressings on his arm and comforting broth
in his stomach.
"I feel a hundred per cent better already," he said to
Shesa as she kissed him good-night. "In the morning I'll
be well."
But in the morning the doctors shook their heads. " I'm
90
THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
"OH, DOCTOR! CAN'T IT
BE SAVED?"
afraid that arm will have to be ampu-
tated," said the chief surgeon.
"Oh, Doctor!" exclaimed Shesa,
"can't it be saved?"
"If it is saved," said the doctor
gruffly, not liking to show how sorry
he was for the pretty nurse, "it will
be saved for a dead man. A neglected
infected wound, even small, may mean
gangrene. This is a large, badly neg-
lected infected wound!"
Shesa bit her lips and held back
the tears, saying, "Of course, if it's to
save his life, Doctor — " Then she went
out to telegraph to her family.
The telegram read:
Ima found, wounded,
home soon as possible.
Will bring
Shesa.
Oh, how I hope all comes out right," she thought.
CHAPTER XVI
PRIVATE BRAVE'S ADVENTURES
HREE weeks later, a soldier with one arm
and his very attentive sister were looked
upon with much interest by the other pas-
sengers on a steamer going to New York.
Ima stood the journey well, but when
they arrived at the station, Shesa decided to take him
A SOLDIER AND His VKRV ATTENTIVE SISTER
[97J
98 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
direct to the Dolls' Hospital to rest instead of home, where
he would be under a good deal of excitement.
So it was in the Dolls' Hospital that the Brave family
came together again, rejoicing in the escape of their soldier.
Even Mike, the dog, was allowed to come, and no one
greeted him with more joy than did their family pet.
Private Brave didn't mend as well as the doctors and
nurses had hoped. Within a week after his arrival at the
hospital, an abscess developed on his left forearm, which
caused everyone to worry, and another operation was all that
saved poor Private Brave from losing his only remaining arm.
The assistant nurse dressed and bandaged this abscess
with —
ROLLER BANDAGES
(See Reference List)
Roller bandages are usually made of long straight pieces of gauze.
This material "gives" to the form of the arm much better than muslin.
Never put a bandage on wet, for it shrinks and is too tight when dry.
You will be interested in seeing a picture on page 99 of how a
roller bandage is applied to an arm or leg.
This picture shows one of Mary Frances' big dolls bandaged in
roller bandages.
The two-and-a-half-inch wide roller bandage four or six yards long
is the size most used for grown-up people, although narrower ones are
needed for fingers.
On the doll's body inch-wide bandages were used, and the ends
were sewed in place. To prevent slipping, strips of adhesive plaster
were placed over the folds of the edges.
Under the assistant nurse's kind care, Private Brave
soon grew better and was able to take an interest in the
other patients.
ROLLER BANDAGES
100
THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
He begged to be allowed to visit the boys' ward, where
he wouldn't be so lonely.
There was great excitement among the boys in the ward,
none of whom were very ill, when a
real soldier came to visit them.
They coaxed him to tell them about
his adventures.
how he lost his arm, and this one
about the stolen baby:
"We were riding along one day,
when I thought I heard a baby's cry.
None of the other boys seemed to hear
it, and as we were not riding in order, I
headed my horse toward the sound. I
had about concluded that I was
mistaken, when the horse stopped
short. The crying had ceased b}' this
time.
"I looked down, and there among
the sage-brush, at the horse's feet, was
ii little baby about a year old. How it came in such a place",
I have no idea. There was no house within forty miles, and
we hadn't met a soul.
"I got off my horse and picked the little thing up and
rode with it, to our captain. It appeared to be half starved
and surelv could not have survived much longer.
WE PUT THE BABY INTO
PRIVATE BRAVE'S ADVENTURES 101
" We carried it with us into camp, fed it and took care
of it as best we could.
"On making inquiries, we found the baby had been
stolen from some poor white settlers. Who did it or why,
no one ever found out.
"When the poor mother came into camp and we put
the baby into her arms she was the happiest woman I ever
"Wasn't that grand!" cried Bobby to Sammy, the little
lame boy in the next bed. Sammy was the plaster-of-
Paris doll Mary Frances had bought for a nickel at the
children's fair.
All the patients were sorry — and the doctors and
nurses, too — when the time came for Private Brave to leave
the hospital.
He had been so bright and cheerful that they would
miss him greatly.
He felt sorry, too, in a way, for so many interesting
things had happened; for instance — but perhaps you would
rather hear the story of the mad dog as Private Brave
told it to his family.
CHAPTER XVII
THE MAD DOG
RIVATE BRAVE was comfortably seated in
the home living room with his family gath-
ered around to hear what had happened while
he was in the hospital.
"It was about four o'clock in the after-
noon," he began. "I had just finished telling the boys
about saving the baby, and all my other experiences which
you know, when suddenly we heard a woman crying as
she rushed past the ward door.
" 'Oh, Doctor,' she sobbed, 'will he die — will my little
boy die? He didn't know the dog would bite, poor child!
He says the dog isn't mad, but everybody else says he is!'
" 'Come,' said the doctor, 'mad or not, we'll fix this
young man up so he'll be quite safe. I'm glad you brought
him to me immediately.'
"I was on my feet in an instant, and ran to the office
door, for I was very anxious to hear what would be done for
the little boy.
" 'This must be cauterized, Nurse/ said the doctor.
'Get nitrate of silver ready.'
"He dipped a wooden stick into the poison and turned
it around in the wound, the little boy screaming with
the pain.
" 'Oh, Doctor,' asked his mother, 'must he be hurt so
much? '
[102]
THE MAD Doc 103
" 'Safety must first be considered/ replied the doctor.
' We are probably destroying the dreadful germs of hydro-
phobia. And, next, this little boy must be given Pasteur
treatment with the wonderful serum used to prevent hydro-
phobia, for hydrophobia means the most terrible suffering
anybody could imagine. Of course, no one is quite certain
that the dog was mad; for many a time a dog which has
been nearly crazed with thirst, or been the victim of bad
boys' pranks, has been thought mad.'
" 'But this doggy wasn't mad,' the boy cried out,
forgetting his pain. 'A bad boy was twisting his tail and
the poor doggy thought I did it because I was near!'
" 'Are you certain, little fellow?' asked the doctor.
'Yes, sir, and after he bit me, a big man beat him
with his cane, and the poor doggy ran yelping down the
street. Oh, how you made my arm ache, Doctor!'
" 'Poor boy!' said the doctor, 'I really had to hurt you.'
" 'What should I have done, Doctor, if we had been
miles from a physician?' asked the mother.
" 'That's a good question,' replied Doctor Surerure.
'I will tell you the simplest treatment for an untrained
person to use—
FOR DOG BITE
(See Reference Lt.*()
Whether there is danger of hydrophobia or not. if bitr i? on :t
limb, tie a cloth tightly around limb between wound and body, and
encourage bleeding by squeezing. Wash with soap and hot water.
Apply iodine. Loosen cloth in an hour.
If there is the slightest danger of hydrophobia, get pati- r>! to a ili>,-f«r!
If impossible to get a doctor, apply nitrate of silver, or pure c::r!»«>li«-
acid with a soft stick. But it seems that th^rr .'ir»- f«-\\ i-i.-
104 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
a doctor cannot be consulted within twenty-four hours, — who will
see that the patient is given Pasteur treatment to prevent hydro-
phobia from developing.
"Well, I am certainly glad to learn that, my son," said
Private Brave's mother. "We had a terrible fright the
day the little boy was bitten, for somebody said that our
Mike did it."
"What!" exclaimed Private Brave. "Did anybody
dare accuse this most faithful and wonderfully brave dog-
member of the Brave family?"
Mike had been lying at his young master's feet; in
fact, he hadn't left him since he came home — not even to
eat his dinner. On hearing his
name, Mike stood up, wagging his
tail so hard that you would have
thought it would drop off unless it was
nailed on.
He looked inquiringly upon the
family, his mouth open and his intelli-
gent brown eyes questioning what all
this talk meant.
"It wasn't you, Michael, old boy,
"IT WASN-T You, MICHAEL, gO()d old fcnow|" exclaimed Ibee,
petting him.
"Bow! Bow!" barked Mike, and Ibee declared he
smiled.
"Well," said Private Brave, "that was-" lie didn't
finish the sentence, for at that instant the next door neigh-
bor came running into the room.
"Oh, come, Miss Shesa!" she exclaimed. "My baby's
dying — she's swallowed poison."
CHAPTER XVIII
Tin; POISONED BABY
HESA hastened away with the neighbor, for
she knew that any delay might cost the
baby's life. She could hear the little girl's
agonizing screams.
"Ibec, run for the doctor," she called.
"We must work until the doctor comes," she said to the
distracted mother. She was wise enough to realize that it
would be best to keep the mother busy.
''What kind of poison — do you know?" asked Shesa
anxiously, as they ran up the steps of the porch.
"Lye," answered the mother briefly. ''The maid was
scrubbing the kitchen steps, and left the can of lye on the
floor. Baby came along, saying 'dink, dink,' and before
Sally Ann could get into the door, baby had swallowed a
mouthful. It couldn't have been very strong, for Sally Ann
had filled up the can with water."
Shesa took the baby on her lap and looked into its poor
little burnt mouth.
"Bring a glass of water and some vinegar." she ordered.
When they came, she diluted the vinegar with water giving
the baby a teaspoonful at a time.
"Bring the juice of a lemon," >he said. This she
diluted, giving it to the baby in the same way.
It must have stopped -cme of the suffering, for the little
one began to seem more comfortable.
106
"Now, the beaten white of an egg in water," she said
at length. Of this she gave the baby a tablespoonful; then
a tablespoonful of olive
oil, holding its little
mouth shut to make it
swallow.
By the time the
doctor arrived, the
baby had fallen asleep
on Shesa's lap.
''You have saved
this baby's life, Miss
Brave," said the doc-
tor. " If it hadn't been
for prompt action, the
child might have died."
"People are so
careless with poisons,"
he went on. "Poisons
should never be placed
within the reach of
little children. All bot-
tles should be labeled
plainly, and the stoppers should be tied about with a piece
of gauze — not very attractive, I admit, but one of the best
safeguards against making a mistake as to the 'right bottle.'
Poisons should not be kept in the general medicine closet,
but in a place by themselves — unless we except iodine,
which has such a decided odor that it may be kept in a
more accessible place, ready for its many uses."
' BRING A GLASS OP WATEK AND SOMK
VINEGAR"
THE POISONED BABY
107
After complimenting Shesa again on her treatment of
the baby, and leaving some medicines for both the baby
and the baby's mother, the doctor went
away.
Shesa was met by her mother as she
started home.
"We are all so anxious, dear," she
said, "to learn how the baby is."
"The baby's all right," smiled Shesa.
"How thankful Ima will bo!" ex-
claimed her mother. "It brings tears to
my eyes to see how interested that dear
boy is in everybody, thinking so little
about his own misfortunes. Think of a
young man just at his age losing an
arm!"
"Father told me that last night when
he tried to express a little sympathy, Ima
said, 'Well, Father, it is a loss; but
you know, I have one arm left ! ' Shesa
replied.
"Wasn't that wonderful!" exclaimed
Mrs. Brave.
"It certainly is wonderful how bravely he takcw his
troubles," replied Shesa. "Father ?aid ho thought that it
really required more bravery to fed that way tlmn to go
to the battlefield."
By this time they had reached home, and Sheaa, had to
tell everybody about the saving of the life of the poisoix-d
babv.
Yor HA\E SAVI.H THIS
BABY'S Lm:, Mi.**
UR \.\r. "
CHAPTER XIX
HURRAH FOR OUR HERO
HE Brave family were not the only people
who admired Private Brave's cheerful accep-
tance of his fate and his determination to
make his left hand learn to do the work of
two hands.
One day when he was running the lawn mower over
the lawn in front of the house, Doctor Quickenquack
stopped in his dollsmobile.
"Hello, how's the ' General'?" he called. " Can't you
jump in and take a ride? Hope you're not too busy to
have a little holiday."
" Thank you, Doctor," said Private Brave, "it's certainly
kind of you to ask me. Will you wait until I put this
mower away and get my coat? "
He had to lock the door, for none of the family wore
home, but he hopped into the car in a minute's time. The
doctor started the engine and away they rode toward
Painted River and Looking Glass Lake. It was a beautiful
morning and Private Brave enjoyed the ride very much.
"If you will just let me out here, I'll walk home from
this corner," said he as they came to River Avenue.
"Not much, sir; you're kidnapped," laughed the
doctor as he drove on toward the hospital.
"First, your lunch; then a visit to the boys' ward/'
said the doctor. "That's your program, sir."
1108]
HURRAH FOR OUR HKRO 109
Private Brave was delighted with the idea, and how he
enjoyed his lunch after the ride!
When he went with the doctor to the boys' ward, you
can't imagine how surprised he was to see all his own
family. Not only they were there, but also the boys'
class and the girls' class in first-aid.
Besides these, wore Miss Bosscm and Miss Hoi pern and
Doctor Surecuro and even the ambulance driver, Billy.
Doctor Quickenquack led Private Brave under an
American flag which was draped in one corner of the room.
"Dear Private Brave," said Doctor Surocuro, clearing
his throat, "it is my pleasure to present to you a gift from
some of your many admiring friends."
Private Brave blushed at the praise, and smiled as Miss
Ilelpem carried forward a box which she placed on the
little table beside him.
lie opened the lid and lifted out a beautiful little hand-
embroidered silk flag.
"Perhaps we'd better help you open the box the rest
of the way," suggested Doctor Sun-cure. "Let us step
into the next room."
When the doctors and Private Brave came back—-
what do you think? Private Brave was waving the beauti-
ful little silk Hag in the hand of a new wooden arm, so
skilfully made that it had almost human action.
"Hurrah!" shouted the boys and girls in delight.
"Hurrah! Hurrah for Private Brave! Hurrah for Our
Hero!"
"Hurrah! Hurrah!" they shouted together at the top
of thrir luno.
110 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
HK OPKNED THE LID AND Ln TI;D Our A BEAUTIFUL LITTUE
T'MBKOIDtHKD SlI.K FLAG
HirRKAH FOH OUR HERO 111
"Hurrah for Private Brave! He's—
Prepared for less,
Prepared for more,
Prepared for peace,
Prepared for war!
Prepared for well,
Prepared for ill,
Prepared to save
The doctor's bill!
Prepared for calm,
Prepared for strife,
Prepared for anything
In life!
"Oh, Billy," cried Mary Frances, after it was all over,
"I'm so thankful to you for your birthday present."
"What do you mean?" yawned Billy.
''Why, for the day we've just spent together in the
playroom," said Mary Frances.
"Don't know what you're talking about," pretended
Billy.
"Why, Billy!" Mary Frances laughed. "If you will
just put a triangular bandage on my hand with your
handkerchief, you'll remember."
Billy put it on beautifully, just as you snw it shown
on Mary Frances' doll in the picture.
"Now, you remember, Mr. Ambulance Driver!" cried
Mary Frances, shaking her finger.
112 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
"I don't seem to remember a thing about how I learned,"
solemnly declared Billy.
"Why, certainly you do. You learned in the Dolls'
Hospital," cried Mary Frances.
"Oh, maybe — but don't tell anybody about it, though
I must say that a knowledge of bandaging will be most
THERE THEY WERE!
useful when the boy scouts commence their class in
advanced first-aid work."
"Will Miss Bossem be their teacher?" teased Mary
Frances.
"Aw! Stop talking about that doll of yours dressed up
as a nurse, Mary Francos! We boys are beyond the doll-
baby age!" Billy walked away in pretended disgust.
HURRAH FOR OUR HERO
113
"Well," said Mary Frances to herself, "if Billy hadn't
known how to put on that bandage I would think I had
been dreaming. I know what I'll do! I'll go see if there
are any nurses' uniforms in the playroom."
There they were! Each girl doll had one on, just as she
wore it at the Fourth of July celebration.
"It must have been real!" concluded Mary Frances.
"It must have been! That proves it! Besides, here is
Private Brave, and in his wooden hand he is holding the—
A READY REFERENCE LIST
OF
ORDINARY ACCIDENTS
AND ILLNESSES
ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED
WITH
APPROVED HOME REMEDIES
A FEW GENERAL REMARKS
In the story part of this little book, the author has endeavored
to show that success in first-aid treatment of any open wound lies in
protecting the wound from infection.
From long years of experience, physicians have found that:
1. Every open wound should be touched with an antiseptic to
kill germs which may have entered; and that the best general antiseptic
known is iodine.
2. No wound should be closed entirely from the air; therefore,
do not use adhesive plaster or collodion to cover a cut or wound, but
cover it with sterile gauze after using iodine. The gauze may be held
in place at each side by adhesive plaster or by a bandage.
When sending for the doctor, be sure to let him know what is the
matter: for instance, poison case, or drowning, or choking — so that he
may bring the articles necessary to treat the case.
N. B. — In case of wounds from powder, or punctured wounds, as
from rusty nail, see a doctor who will treat patient with anti-tetanic
serum.
Read the chapters concerning bandages: Chapters XIII and XVI.
Bandages are used: 1. To hold dressings in place.
2. To support the parts. 3. To hold splints in place.
Never use wet bandages — they shrink in drying.
Never put a tight bandage over a wet compress; use a loose
triangular bandage. The exclusion of air might also cause blisters.
An emetic is a medicine which causes vomiting.
To sterilize a needle or knife blade, dip into alcohol or pass through
an alcohol or gas flame; or hold in boiling water several minutes.
To make a saturated solution dissolve in water as much of the
powder mentioned as possible.
NOTE. — Remember that heat in the form of hot drinks and hot
applications is the best land of stimulant.
(116)
A READY REFERENCE LIST
Reference to poisonous remedies has been carefully avoided as
much as possible.
Where dosage is not mentioned in the following, refer to List of
Remedies for the Home Medicine Closet, page 136.
Biliousness.
Give citrate of magnesia, or Epsom or Rochelle salt, or *castor
oil. Cracked ice slowly melted in the mouth generally relieves sick
stomach.
Hot, clear coffee given after any of the above medicines counter-
acts greatly the nauseating effect.
Bites of Dogs, Cats, Snakes.
If on a limb, tie a cloth tightly around limb, between wound and
body. Loosen slightly in an hour. Encourage bleeding by squeezing,
to get poison out, or suck and spit out blood from the wound, Ix-ing
careful to see there are no cuts or wounds in the mouth or lips, through
which the poison may enter. Apply iodine.
If hydrophobia (rabies) is suspected, send for doctor nt <»wr. \\h<.
will see that correct treatment is given. This treatment is cnnc«-inc»|
with the injection of a serum into the blood. See Chapter XVII.
Bites of Insects, Spiders, etc.
Treat as for stings.
These are seldom dangerous to life.
"Black Eye."
For "black eye," uso either cold or hot water compresses imme-
diately. Massage gently for discoloration.
Bleeding of Gums.
Rinse mouth with alum water — 1 teaspoon powdered alum in :i
glass of ice water; or 1 tsp. tincture of myrrh in 1 tbsp. water.
" Tee one of the proprietary (patent) preparations of caator oil. plonsant to ta*tf.
[1171
118 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
Blood Blisters.
Do not open. Apply hot water.
Broken Bones or Fractures.
There are two kinds of fractures:
1. Simple, where the bone only is broken.
2. Compound, where the skin is broken through at point of
fracture.
Treatment:
Send for doctor at once. Much harm is done by unskilled handling.
Do not move patient unless absolutely necessary.
If a compound fracture, apply iodine. Bandage a sterile gauze
compress loosely over wound, tie a cloth tightly around limb, between
wound and body. See "Hemorrhage" in this list.
Using extreme gentleness, place limb in comfortable position on a
pillow or pad, and tie fast with strips of muslin or bandages.
If impossible to get doctor for a long time, and patient must be
moved, use extreme carefulness, and tie limb to padded splints with
bandages.
Rulers, umbrellas, sticks, rolled newspapers, may be used for
splints. If an arm, after applying splints, place in sling made with
triangular bandage, or pin coat sleeve to front of shirt.
Treat for "Shock."
Bruises or Contusions.
"Black and blue" spots from blow or fall or pinching, causing
blood vessels to rupture under skin.
Apply at first:
Ice, or ice water; or
Alcohol and water, half and half; or
Witch hazel, or arnica; or
Vinegar diluted with water.
Afterward use hot applications. Gentle rubbing or massaging helps
dispel the discoloration. If surface is scraped, as from fall in sand, see
"Wounda."
A READY REFERENCE LIST 119
Bums and Scalds.
There are three different degrees of burns :
1. Mere reddening of the skin (slight burns).
2. Formation of blisters (deeper burns).
3. Charring and destruction of the skin and tissues.
1. For slight burns (first degree), apply any of the following:
Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) mixed in water to the thickness
of milk, olive oil, cream, vaseline, lard, butter, white of egg, or flour
and water paste, or starch and water.
Spread gauze compress* with the material used, and bandage
loosely in place.
2. In deeper burns (second degree), be careful in removing clothing
— cut it off, if necessary, to prevent tearing the skin.
Bandage on loosely compresses wet in one of the following:
(a) Normal Salt Solution (1 level tsp. salt in 1 pint boiled water);
or
(6) Can-on Oil ( \ lime water, $ linseed oil) ;
or
(c) Saturated Solution Bicarbonate of Soda. (Dissolve as much
baking soda as possible in a cup of boiled water;)
or
(d) Picric Acid Gauze Compress.
Follow any of these treatments with Boric Acid Ointment.
(See List of Medicines, No. 22).
Blisters. Later, puncture blisters near base with a sharp instru-
ment which has been sterilized by dipping in alcohol. Mop
up the watery discharge with a little aseptic absorbent
cotton, throwing it away. Never open blisters far enough
to loosen skin. Dress with gauxe compresses, dusted with
boric acid. l.'se several small compresses if burned surface
is large.
3. In very severe burns (third degree) little can be done. Send
for the doctor. Do not remove clothing. Make patitnt as comfortable
as possible.
* A rornroM is MM»'T;«| t lih'kn'W" <>( c.su/* <T <•'' • nr'.i'iTil
120 THE MART FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
For burns about the eye, anoint with olive oil and wash out with
boric acid solution in eye dropper or eye cup. (See List of Medicines,
No. 3.) Use compresses wrung out of ice water. See doctor.
Car Sickness.
Fresh air. Lying-down position.
Do not look out of window at moving objects. Keep eyes closed.
Chilblains.
Chilblains are the result of too rapid warming of cold parts,
generally feet or fingers. Sometimes for years after being frost-bitten,
exposure to severe cold will produce itching and burning, and perhaps
{swelling and ulcers.
Treatment:
Rub with turpentine or alcohol. The rubbing hi itself is excellent.
See doctor.
Chills.
Use heat. Apply hot-water bags under arms, on thighs and at
feet. Give hot foot bath, hi which is 1 tbsp. mustard. Rub limbs
toward body, to restore circulation. Give hot coffee or tea, or hot
lemonade. Wrap in blankets and put to bed. Chills indicate
oncoming illness — see doctor! See Chapter XI.
Choking.
Slap on back. Pass finger down throat. This usually causes
vomiting. If a child, hold him up by the feet, head downward, and
slap on the back. Send for doctor, if severe.
Coal Gas, Suffocation from.
Send for doctor.
Get patient into fresh air — loosen clothing. Keep patient warm
with hot-water bags. Rub limbs toward body. Dash cold water hi
face. Doctor will probably use artificial respiration.
Colds.
At the first sign of "taking a cold" — use some simple remedy,
such as inhaling camphor from time to tune for several hours. Dampen
A READY REFERENCE LIST 121
the center of a handkerchief in water, and drop on it some spirit of
camphor. Eat a sliced onion.*
Take two drops of spirit of camphor on a tsp. sugar.
Or, drop five drops camphor in $ tumbler of water. Take a tsp.
every half hour.
Ginger tea is a much valued old-fashioned remedy. Pour boiling
water over a tbsp. bruised ginger root. Let stand two hours. The
dose is 1 tbsp. every hour or two.
If the "cold" continues, take a laxative, such as castor oil or
rhubarb, and follow the dose with a hot foot bath at night and hot
lemonade after getting into bed, to induce perspiration. Keep well
covered.
If a cough comes with the cold, lemon juice and sugar syrup make
a pleasant cough remedy; or molasses-and-vinegar syrup is liked \>y
children. Mix hi the proportion of 1 tbsp. vinegar to 2 tbsp. molasses.
Flaxsced tea will sometimes relieve a "tickling" cou^h. Pour
2 cups of boiling water over 1 tbsp. whole flaxseeds. Stir; let simmer
gently one-half hour. Add juice of half a lemon, and sugar if desired.
Take a tbsp. as often as wished.
If the chest is sore, rub it with camphorated oil, or ammonia lini-
ment, which is made by shaking together in a bottle 4 tbsp. olive f sweet)
oil and 1 tbsp. household ammonia. This hardens upon standing a
few days — so it is best made as needed.
All these are simple home remedies, but if a cold i.s severe, see a
doctor. A neglected cold is dangerous.
Colic.
Colic pains in abdomen are generally caused by indigestible food,
overeating, constipation, etc.
Treatment:
Give peppermint in hot water; hot-water enema. Keep abdomen
warmly wrapped hi flannel; use hot-water bottles, or turpentine stupe.
If a child — massage abdomen with warm olive oil.
• If to the onion in added a tbsp. or two of water, a tbsp. vinegar (nnd
oil, if desired), popper and wilt, it will bo found a pub table p.'ifod with bn •.'<! ntxf
butter, and will be liked bv most children
122
THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
Convulsions of Children.
Caused by indigestion, constipation or oncoming illness. Child
becomes stiff, pulse is weak and rapid. Breathing is feeble, face is
pale at first, afterward livid.
Treatment:
Send for doctor. Place child in warm bath, with ice bag (or ice-
water cloths) on head.
Corns.
For soft corn, apply vaseline.
For hard corn, apply iodine and remove pressure by using corn
plaster.
For a very sore corn, use a bread poultice at night. (See "Plasters
and Poultices" at end of this list, page 134.)
Croup.
Croup is generally more alarming than dangerous.
Give 1 teaspoon syrup of ipecac to make child vomit.
Apply cloths wrung out of hot water on neck and chest.
A boiling tea kettle, in which there are 2 tbsp. compound tincture
of benzoin, will afford relief. Direct the steam toward the child so
that some of it may be inhaled.
Keep the child in the same warm room forty-eight hours, main-
taining the atmosphere at an even temperature.
The day after the attack, give the child castor oil or simple syrup
of rhubarb.
If croup does not clear up in twenty-four hours, see the doctor for
membranous croup or diph-
theria.
Cuts (Slight).
Touch with —
Tincture of iodine, or
if iodine is not at
hand,
How TO STRAP A CUT FINGER
Alcohol, or
Vinegar and water — equal parts.
A READY REFERENCE LIST
If edges are spread far apart, strap together with narrow
strips of adhesive plaster across wound. Wrap with sterile gauze.
If cut is larger, after applying iodine, fasten on a gauze compress
— cut } inch larger than wound — with a bandage, or with strips of
adhesive plaster.
Caution. — Never cover a wound or cut airtight. (See also Chapter
VII.)
Diarrhea.
Usually caused by indigestion, impure water, etc. Home remedies
are raw flour and water paste; a raw egg in a cup of hot tea; spiced
syrup of rhubarb.
Give a dose of castor oil to clear the digestive tract of the irri-
tating material. If there is much pain, keep abdomen warm with
flannel and hot-water bag. If a small child, restrict diet to barley water
and white of egg in water.
Give adults milk and other liquid foods. If persistent, see
doctor.
Earache.
Caused sometimes by bad teeth, but generally by cold or hardened
ear wax.
Hold ear over cloth wrung out of hot water, on which are several
drops of alcohol. Syringe ear with warm bicarbonate of soda water—
1 tsp. to a cup; or peroxide of hydrogen water — 1 tbsp. to a cup of
water.
One drop laudanum, or one drop arnica to three drops very warm
olive oil, dropped into ear with a medicine dropper, often relieves
pain; or cotton may be saturated with the warm olive oil and placed
in the ear and covered with dry cotton. To prevent hardening of wax:
keep ear anointed with ordinary red vaseline (unbleached vaseline).
For watery discharge of ear, dust with dry boric acid.
Fainting.
Caused by too small a quantity of blood to the brain.
To prevent: Fresh air; drink of cold water; J tsp. aromatic spirit
of ammonia in water; bond in 2 head over between knees.
124 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
If the person has fainted:
Keep crowd back; place in lying-down position.
Dash face with cold water.
Let patient inhale smelling salts or household ammonia.
Rub limbs toward body.
Remember : An unconscious person cannot swallow. Medicine may
enter windpipe and cause strangulation. After patient becomes con-
scious, give stimulants; such as aromatic spirit of ammonia or hot coffee.
Fever Blisters (Cold Sores).
Apply boric acid ointment,* or touch frequently with spirit of
nitre or spirit of camphor.
Fits.
There are two kinds:
1. Hysterical — sobbing, crying and laughing without cause, jerky
movement of the limbs.
Treatment:
Let patient quietly alone.
2. Epileptic — convulsive movements and unconsciousness.
Treatment:
Keep patient from biting tongue by putting a piece of wood or
folded cloth between teeth. Lay on side; loosen clothing; turn face
to side so that secretions may not strangle.
After the fit, let patient sleep.
Do )wt give stimulants.
Foreign Body in Ear.
If an insect, drown out with warm olive oil, or pour a little pure
alcohol into ear.
Do not probe ear.
* See Liat of Medicines No. 22.
A READY REFERENCE LIST 125
Foreign Body in Eye.
Wink. Do not rub.
Lift upper lid down over lower, blowing opposite nostril.
If these means fail, turn lid back over a toothpick, removing
foreign body gently with the pointed corner of a handkerchief. For
bits of plaster, use dilute vinegar in eye cup. For acids, use very
dilute bicarbonate of soda solution. (See Chapter XI.)
Frost Bites.
Parts frozen turn whitish or waxy looking.
Do not bring patient into a warm room.
Use cold applications. Keep in cold room. (See Chapter VII.)
Rub with snow or ice-water cloths, very gradually applying heat.
"Gum Boils" or "Canker Sores."
So-called "gum boils" or "canker sores" are little ulcer-like sores
which at times appear in children's mouths, caused by disarrangement
of the stomach. Local applications, such as borax or powdered alum,
shrink the sores and give a little relief; but the child should be given a
dose of calcined magnesia at night or citrate of magnesia in the morn-
ing. (Never give a small dose of citrate of magnesia ; a child of twelve
years should take a tumblerful.)
Heat Exhaustion. (Collapse Due to Excessive Heat.) Dangerous !
In heat exhaustion, the symptoms and treatment arc similar to
shoi'k: pale face; weak, feeble heart beats; greut weakness, but not
unconsciousness; shallow breathing: cold, clammy perspiration on
face.
Ti-ffitmtnt: Send for dootor. Remove to cool place.
Do mtt use cold applications, dive stimulants — hot coffee, ten,
aromatic spirit of ammonia, etc. Cover with blankets and use hot-
water Ixttt !cs.
Hemorrhage i Severe Bleeding).
Send for doctor. While waiting, try to staunch flow of blood.
If woitnd ^ in a limb:
126 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
If blood is red, and comes in spurts (arterial) —
Elevate wounded part, tie cloth tightly around limb between
wound and body,
or use a tourni-
quet,* loosening
it in one hour.
If not loosened,
there is danger
of gangrene.
If blood is dark, and
USING A. TOURNIQUET comes in slow
flow (venous) —
Tie a cloth around between end of limb and wound. Or use a
tourniquet, loosening it in one hour.
In either case, bandage a clean gauze compress against wound.
If unable to use these methods because of too rapid bleeding, press
fingers into wound, but have another person tie as described. Do not
use finger pressure if possible to avoid, for the wound should be kept
clean.
Any of the following tend to stop bleeding:
Ice or ice water.
Very hot water.
Vinegar, 1 tbsp. to 4 tbsp. water.
Salt, 1 tsp. to 4 tbsp. water.
Wet a compress (several thicknesses of gauze) in any of these and
bandage on wound.
For hemorrhage of lungs, place ice-bag on chest,
DO NOT GIVE WHISKEY OR BRANDY!
For slight wounds, see "Cuts."
* A tourniquet (pronounced turn-e-ket) is a constricting band used to stop
bleeding. Usually a triangular bandage is folded into cravat form (see page 83)
and tied loosely about the limb; then twisted as shown in this picture. A rubber
band, necktie, garter or a piece of rope may be used in emergency.
A READY REFERENCE LIST 127
Hiccough.
Generally caused by indigestion.
Nine to fifteen swallows of water without taking a breath, or one
or two soda-mint tablets, will generally give relief. If persistent, cause
vomiting by tickling throat with fingers, or by swallowing a cup of
warm water in which \ tsp. mustard id dissolved. (See Chapter XI.)
Hives (Nettle Rash).
For itching, rub into them common table salt, or bathe with
equal parts vinegar and water.
Hives indicate stomach trouble. Give citrate of magnesia.
If hives persist, give J tsp. table salt in water or £ tsp. cream of
tartar in \ glass of water three times a day for three days.
If hives still persist, consult doctor. (See Chapter X.)
Indigestion.
Hot water. Soda mints. Aromatic spirit of ammonia. Bicar-
bonate of soda (baking soda). Hot applications to the stomach.
Itching.
For itching which affects the whole body, give a bath; apply
sulphur ointment.
Sulphur ointment is made by rubbing 2 tbsp. flowers of sulphur
into a dessertspoonful of lard.
Lice in Hair (Pediculosis).
Wash hair with kerosene, leaving it on over night; or use tincture
of larkspur* in the same way.
Perhaps the best remedy is fishberrics.*
Five cents worth of the berries may be boiled in 1 pint water
for ten minutes.
Wash hair next day after using any of these remedies.
Nails (Ingrowing).
Scrape surface — a piece of glass is good for this purpose. Cut in
V-shapo. Pack absorbent cotton under affected side. Paint with iodine.
* 1'oison.
128 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
Nausea (Sick Stomach).
Give small bits of cracked ice. Soda mint. Lime water.
To crack ice: wrap a piece in a cloth, and hammer.
Nosebleed.
Head in upright position. Raise arm on bleeding side. Loosen
collar. Apply ice in a cloth to bridge of nose and back of neck. A
roll of paper under upper lip. Snuff cold tea up nose, or salt water,
1 tsp. to cup water, or the same of powdered alum.
If bleeding continues, tie a small wad of cotton with thread; dip
it into peroxide of hydrogen, and plug nostril by pushing the cotton
gently with a pencil. The thread is used to withdraw cotton.
If these means fail, send for doctor.
Perspiration.
For deodorizing — use a paste of borax and water.
Poison Ivy Rash.
The poison ivy plant has three leaves in clusters.
Do not scratch.* Mop on rash a saturated solution of Epsom salt
(as much as can be dissolved in a cup of water) ; or, wash with saturated
solution boric acid. Allow it to dry in the air.
Lime water may be used in place of boric acid.
Wash the affected surface every day, dry and repeat treatment.
Sweet fern tea is very good. Steep the sweet fern in boiling water
an hour, and apply to rash.
Poisoning — Treatment and Antidotes.
Send for doctor, but work immediately.
If you do not know what caused the poisoning, make patient vomit
as soon as possible by giving 1 tsp. mustard in a cup of warm water, or
1 tsp. salt in a cup of warm water, or 2 tsp. ipecac. Repeat if neces-
sarv.
* Mothers who find it difficult to keep children from ecratohing this rash at
night may cover hands with small triangular bandages.
A READY REFERENCE LIST 129
After vomiting, give white of egg stirred in water; milk; or
boiled starch. Give hot coffee as stimulant.
There are three divisions of poisons:
(a) Those that affect the nervous system; as opium, aconite,
alcohol.
(6) Those that irritate; as arsenic, tainted food,
(c) Those that corrode (burn); as carbolic acid, oxalic acid,
bichloride of mercury (which is corrosive sublimate), lye,
caustic alkalies.
In any case of poisoning, remember that the first-aid treatment
is to —
1. Remove the poisonous material, or
2. Neutralize its further action.
3. Remedy the ill effects already produced.
1. To remove the poison, give emetic (to produce vomiting); as
mustard and water or ipecac or salt and water.
An emetic is not usually used, however, in corrosive poisoning (see (c)
above) except in the case of bichloride of mercury, for which see
special direction below.
2. To neutralize the further effect of poison, give something to
destroy its action; for instance, if lye Ls swallowed, give dilute acid,
as vinegar and water.
3. To remedy the ill effects, give stimulants; as strong coffee.
SOME ANTIDOTES
For Carbolic Acid. — In case of poisoning from carbolic acid, give
alcohol and water; or, if alcohol is not at hand, 1 tbsp. Epsom salt in
a glass of water, or l>eaten whites of eggs in milk. Use hot-water bottle.
Treatment of Poisoning from Any Other Acids than Carbolic (Cor-
rosives).— Give alkalies — baking soda, 1 tsp. in a cup water. Lime
water, magnesia, whitewash diluted with water: even a tbsp. of strong
soapsuds. Follow with beaten white of egg and milk, olive oil, coffee.
Treatment of Poisoning from Alkalies (Lye, Household Ammonia,
etc.). (Corrosives.) — Do not cause vomiting. 1 tbsp. vinegar in a cup
9
180 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
of water; lemon juice and water, half and half; orange juice; follow
with whites of egg in milk, olive oil; flour and water; hot coffee.
For Bichloride of Mercury (Corrosive Sublimate). — Give beaten
whites of eggs in water; emetic — warm mustard water (1 tsp. to
cup) ; hot coffee. Keep patient warm.
For Iodine. — Give boiled starch, or starch and water, or flour and
water. Give hot coffee. Keep patient warm.
For Arsenic (Irritant. See (6).). — Give an emetic; tincture of
iron, white of eggs, coffee.
For Laudanum (Affects Nerves. See (a).). — Keep patient awake
by walking. Give strong black coffee.
Powder Wounds.
Dangerous because powder carries germs of "lockjaw."
Wash the skin. Paint with iodine.
Apply vaseline. This loosens any bits of powder, which may be
washed off the next day.
Absolutely every wound of this character must be treated by a doctor,
who will inject antitetanic serum. (See Chapter XII.)]
Prickly Heat.
Rash, especially on young children, caused by heat. Wash with
warm water and soap. Apply alcohol (one part to three of water).
Dust with talcum powder. (See Chapter X.)
Ptomaine Poisoning.
Symptoms: Severe nausea, purging diarrhea. See doctor.
Treatment: Vomiting is necessary. Give cup warm water in
which 1 tsp. mustard is dissolved, or give 2 tsp. ipecac. Give castor oik
Apply external heat — hot-water bags.
Give 1 tsp. paregoric, if you have it.
Sea-Sickness.
Cracked ice. The best preventive is to see the doctor a week
before going on ocean trip.
A READY REFERENCE LIST 131
Shock.
The word "shock" refers to the condition of nervous depression
which follows any accident, or sometimes the sight of one's own wound.
The breathing is feeble; the face pale. Send for doctor. Place patient
in lying-down position. Use hot-water bottles. Give hot coffee; aro-
matic spirit of ammonia. Gentle massage or rub limbs toward body.
Keep body covered and warm. (See Chapter III.)
Sore Throat.
At night wrap a cloth wet in alcohol around outside of throat.
Gargle with salt and water (1 tsp. to a glass), or borax and water in
same proportion, or hot tea, or with the following —
Gargle:
2 tbsp. vinegar,
1 tbsp. salt,
Water to fill a tumbler.
If persistent, see doctor.
Splinters.
Open wound with sterile needle. Pull splinter out from the direc-
tion it entered. Apply iodine or turpentine.
If under nail, cut nail in V-shape at point where splinter entered.
before extracting splinter. Use tweezers. Paint the place with iodine.
A pair of extracting tweezers cost little, and should be in even-
household.
To make needle or tweezers sterile, dip in alcohol or pass through
a flame.
Sprain.
If at all severe, send for doctor.
Elevate limb. Apply cloth wrung from ice water, or an ice hag, for
sereral hours, then apply heat. Bandage to keep limb at rrj-t.
Stiff Neck.
Rub with sassafras oil or with capsicum vaseline.
132 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
Stings.
Extract sting if it remains imbedded in flesh. Apply household
ammonia, diluted with a little water, or solution of bicarbonate of soda
(1 tsp. soda to 1 cup water).
Mud, wet salt, slice of onion, arnica, witch hazel, camphor are
soothing. If there is much swelling, apply cracked ice. Apply spirit
of camphor or alcohol to mosquito bites.
Strain of Muscles.
Apply ice-water cloths or an ice bag. If the cold fails to give
relief in an hour, apply heat. Bathe with arnica, alcohol and water,
and rest the parts.
Sunburn.
To prevent: Anoint exposed parts with cold cream, vaseline, or
use toilet powder before going out.
Treatment: Never wash sunburn. Never open blisters.
Apply—
1 part lime water, 3 parts olive oil, shaken together in a
bottle.
Sunstroke (Collapse Due to Exposure to Rays of Sun).
Distinguish between sunstroke and heat exhaustion.
In sunstroke the symptoms are: red face; rapid heart beats;
headache; vomiting; fever; noisy breathing and sighing; stupor; no
perspiration ; unconsciousness.
Treatment: Send for doctor. Remove to cool place. Loosen
clothing. Apply ice in a cloth, or cloths wrung out of ice water to entire
body.
Give NO STIMULANTS — NO WHISKEY OR BRANDT.
Toothache.
See dentist.
Hot applications. Iodine painted on gums. Oil of cloves on cotton
in tooth. (Be careful in using this.) (See Chapter XI.)
A READY REFERENCE LIST 133
Warts.
Apply a "com cure" containing "cannabis indica." Nitric acid
may be applied, but it is so dangerous a poison that it is unsafe for
children to handle.
Wounds.
See "Hemorrhage" for deep, bleeding wounds.
If surface is scraped, as from a fall in sand, wash wound with hot
water (which has been boiled) and pure soap, such as Castile, and paint
with iodine. Fasten a sterile gauze compress in place over scraped
surface with a bandage or adhesive plaster.
See also "Cuts," "Powder Wounds."
PLASTERS, POULTICES AND STUPES
Moist heat, in the form of plasters, poultices, and stupes, is more
penetrating than dry heat, and is often employed in cases of severe
inflammation.
Mustard plasters are in such common use that it seems unnecessary
to mention their value as counter-irritants.
To Make a Mustard Plaster. — For an adult, mix together in the
proportion of 1 tbsp. mustard and 3 or 4 tbsp. flour, and rub into
a smooth paste with warm water — not hot or cold water.
For a child, use from 4 to 6 tbsp. flour to £ tbsp. mustard.
Spread the paste on muslin, turning each edge over about an inch.
Cover with gauze or a piece of thin muslin.
To prevent blistering, it is well to add beaten white of egg in
making the plaster, and to anoint the skin with vaseline or olive oil
before applying the plaster.
After removing plaster (in about fifteen minutes), cover skin with
thin muslin.
If much inflamed, apply olive oil or vaseline.
Flaxseed is the favorite material for making a poultice, because
the oil in the seed retains heat longer than most other materials.
To Make a Flaxseed Poultice. — Into a cup of boiling water, stir as
much ground flaxseed as it will "take up." Spread on muslin; fold
edges over one inch or more, and cover with one layer of gauze.
Poultice is applied as hot as possible to the surface. Replace
in one hour.
A bread poultice is made by laying a slice of bread in a sieve, and
pouring hot water over it. It is placed on muslin and applied direct.
Poultices are not used as much as they were a number of years
ago, but stupes give such relief to pain in the abdomen that mention
should be made of the
Turpentine Stupe. — To 1 pint boiling water, add 2 tsp. oil of tur-
pentine. Dip a large piece of flannel into this. Wring out by twisting
PLASTERS, POULTICES AND STUPES 135
in a towel — lay wet flannel in center of towel, fold edges of towel over
the flannel and twist ends of towel until the flannel is quite dry. Apply
hot! Cover with a large dry towel. Watch that it does not blister.
Anoint with vaseline or olive oil before applying stupe if skin is very
sensitive.
An easier method is to mix together equal parts oil of turpentine
and olive oil. Heat by setting the cup containing the mixture in
very hot water. Apply by rubbing. Cover with woolen cloth wrung
out of hot water, as described above.
LIST OF REMEDIES FOR THE HOME MEDICINE
CLOSET
In every home there should be a certain closet or shelf high above
little children's reach, where the medicines and articles needed in
emergencies are kept. Among these should be found, plainly labeled,
the following:
1. Tincture of Iodine.
2. Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia.
3. Boric Acid Powder.
4. Stearate of Zinc
5. Pure Alcohol.
6. Lime Water.
7. Carron Oil.
22. Boric Acid Ointment.
23. Powdered Alum.
24. Borax.
25. Spiced Syrup of Rhubarb.
-26. Picric Acid Gauze.
27. Aromatic Smelling Salts.
28. Oil of Cloves.
29. Normal Salt Solution.
8. Epsom Salt.
9. Soda-Mint-and-Pepsin Tablets. 30. Powdered Mustard.
10. Baking Soda. 31. Essence of Peppermint.
11. Household Ammonia. 32. Tincture of Arnica.
12. Adhesive (Zinc Oxide) Plaster. 33. Oil of Turpentine.
13. Tube Vaseline.
14. Capsicum Vaseline.
15. Peroxide of Hydrogen.
16. Castor Oil.
17. Witch Hazel.
18. Essence of Ginger.
19. Syrup of Ipecac.
20. Spirit of Camphor.
21. Sweet Spirit of Nitre.
34. Aseptic Absorbent Cotton.
35. Sterile Gauze.
36. Triangular Bandages.
37. Roller Bandages.
38. Rubber Ear Syringe.
39. Fountain Syringe.
40. Measuring Glass.
41. Eye Dropper.
42. Hot-Water Bottle.
For description of the above remedies and dosage, see the fol-
lowing pages.
IMPORTANT NOTE. — All bottles containing medicines which are
poisonous when swallowed, such as iodine, should be labeled with red
137
ink and should be tied with a rag about the neck, in order that
even in the dark, no mistake may be made.
Read labels three time* before giving or taking medicine:
Before taking from closet;
Before measuring dose;
Before giving to patient.
Have amount given for a dose written on each label.
MEASURES.
30 drops \ tsp. (teaspoon)
60 drops 1 tsp., or 1 dram.
2 tsp 1 dessertspoon.
4 tsp 1 tbsp. (tablespoon)
1 tbsp \ ounce.
2 tbsp 1 ounce.
1. Tincture of Iodine.
(One ounce in a large-mouthed glass-stoppered bottle.)
This should be in every household and every member above ten
years of age should know where it is kept. Any open wound or cut
should be immediately touched with this antiseptic.
Iodine is a poison if swallowed, but is the best household remedy
in cases of cuts or wounds. It should be applied to such injuries
immediately, for it destroys germs. Iodine may be applied direct
by pouring on wound; or with a small wad of absorbent cotton fastened
to a toothpick.
If iodine is swallowed by accident, give cornstarch and water, or
boiled starch, or bread softened in water.
To take iodine stains out of materials, use strong household
ammonia.
2. Aromatic Spirit of Ammonia.
(One ounce in glass-stoppered bottle.)
Dosr:
Children, 10 drops in \ glass of water.
Grown people, $ tsp. in \ glass of water.
138 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
Dose may be safely repeated every hour for several hours.
This is used for nervousness, headaches, indigestion, fainting, etc.
(Remember that an unconscious person cannot swallow, so do not
give an unconscious person medicine, for it may cause choking.)
3. Boric Acid Powder.
(One-half pound.)
Boric acid is not an acid, but a simple harmless alkali.
Useful in solution as a mouth wash; also for stings and for sore
eyes. Dissolve as much as possible in a cup of freshly boiled water.
For sore eyes, use in an eye-dropper or an eye-cup. It is both harmless
and safe. Sometimes the dry powder is dusted on the blistered surface
of a burn to dry blisters. Talcum powders contain a great deal of
boric acid, which is cooling and healing.
4. Compound Stearate of Zinc.
(One ounce.)
A simple, excellent dusting powder for skin irritations.
5. Pure Alcohol.
(One pint hi glass-stoppered bottle. The glass stopper prevents
evaporation.)
Useful for bathing hi case of fever — to reduce temperature. Dip
needle into alcohol before taking a splinter out — to "sterilize" or
remove germs from needle. If iodine becomes too strong because of
evaporation, add a little pure alcohol.
NOTE. — "Wood" alcohol is a poison, sometimes causing blindness;
even used for bathing, it injures the eyes.
"Denatured" alcohol is a poison.
6. Lime Water.
(Five cents' worth.)
Dose: 1 to 2 tbsp. or more in water or milk.
Used for acid indigestion, for poisoning from acids, and in making
carron oil.
REMEDIES FOR THE HOME MEDICINE CLOSET 139
7. Carron Oil.
(One-half pint.)
Carron oil is excellent for burns, it may be purchased at the drug
store, or made by shaking together in a bottle equal parts of linseed
oil and lime water; for instance: one-quarter cup Unseed oil, one
quarter cup lime water.
8. Epsom Salt.
(One-half pound.)
Useful as a laxative.
Dose: 1 tsp. to 1 tbsp. in a glass of water.
To relieve the skin in ivy poisoning, dissolve as much Epsom
salt as possible in a quarter cup boiled water. When cool, bathe skin
and allow to dry in the air.
9. Soda-Mint-and-Pepsin Tablets.
A simple remedy for indigestion.
10. Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda).
(Two ounces in a box or glass.)
Useful in solution in case of scalds or burns, and stings of inseciS.
For indigestion: dose § tsp. in § glass hot water.
11. Household Ammonia.
(Label, "POISON.")
In case of fainting, hold a little distance from patient's nose.
Useful for stings of insects.
12. Adhesive (Zinc Oxide) Plaster.
(One yard, one-half inch wide.)
Useful for holding dressings in place or for fastening end of bandages,
etc.; for support in sprains in place of bandages; for strapping a cut,
but should not be used to cover a cut or wound.
13. Tube Vaseline.
Useful for burns, chapped hands, granulated eyelids. Do not put
vaseline on fresh cuts or wounds.
If a glass stopper is oiled with vaseline, it will not "stick" fast.
140
14. Tube Capsicum Vaseline.
Used for stiff neck, and in place of mustard plaster when only : a
mild irritant is needed.
15. Peroxide of Hydrogen.
(Four ounces.)
Do not use on cuts! Cotton saturated with peroxide of hydrogen
will generally stop severe nosebleed. Used sometimes for burns.
Keep bottle in a dark closet; it deteriorates in the light.
NOTE. — Peroxide of hydrogen is recommended by State Boards of
Health as a protection against Infantile Paralysis. Use as a spray for
nose and throat, or as a gargle, in the proportion of one part perox-
ide to three parts water.
16. Castor Oil.
(Two ounces.)
Dose: Children, 1 to 2 tsp.; adults, 1 to 2 tbsp.
A mild purgative, clearing the intestines of undigested food in case
of acute indigestion.
It may be given in capsules; or one of the patent ("proprietary")
preparations may be given. There are one or two of these which are
not at all unpleasant to take. An easy method of taking castor oil:
hold a piece of ice in the mouth before taking; and after, rinse the
mouth with ice water.
17. Witch Hazel.
(Ten cents' worth.)
For sprains, stings, bites of insects.
Best applied in wet compress.
18. Essence, or Tincture, or Spirit of (Jamaica) Ginger.
(One ounce.)
Dose : $ tsp. in a tbsp. hot water. Less for children,
For colic and indigestion.
REMEDIES FOR THE HOME MEDICINE CLOSET 141
19. Syrup of Ipecac.
(Two ounces.)
Dose: As expectorant, 5 to 10 drops; as emetic, 1 tsp. to 1 tbsp.,
according to age.
Used as an emetic — to produce vomiting — in croup, in cases of
poisoning, etc.
Useful in small doses in bronchitis and asthma.
20. Spirit of Camphor.
(Two ounces.)
This may be made by pouring pure alcohol on pure gum camphor.
It is useful for colds when they first appear. Dose : 2 drops on a
tsp. sugar.
Excellent for mosquito bites.
21. Sweet Spirit of Nitre.
(Two ounces.)
Dose:
Children, 3 to 10 drops in } glass of water.
Adults, 20 drops to 1 tsp. in j glass of water.
For fever and colds. Apply to fever blisters (cold sores) to allay
inflammation.
22. Boric Acid Ointment.
Excellent for fever blisters (cold sores). Made by rubbing 1 tbsp.
boric acid powder into 1 tsp. vaseline.
23. Powdered Alum.
(One ounce.)
Useful for bleeding gums, canker spots, as a gargle in sore
throat, etc.
Dissolve a tsp. in a glass of water.
24. Borax.
(One pound.)
Useful as a gargle or mouth wash — one tsp. in a glass of water; or
as a deodorant of perspiration, and for general cleansing purposes.
142 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
25. Spiced Syrup of Rhubarb.
(Two ounces.)
Dose:
Children 5 to 1 tsp.
Adults 2 tsp.
For pain in abdomen, indigestion, diarrhea.
26. Picric Acid Gauze.
(One small package.)
This is excellent as a compress for burns, but it leaves a stain
on clothing which cannot be removed.
27. Aromatic Smelling Salts.
Inhaled for faintness, headache, etc.
28. Oil of Cloves.
(One-half ounce.)
For toothache. Saturate a piece of cotton and pack in the tooth
after cleaning out the cavity. Cover with dry cotton.
29. Normal Salt Solution.
Excellent for burns.
To make: Add 1 level tsp. table salt to 1 pint water which has
boiled 20 minutes. Do not use more salt than directions call for.
30. Mustard (Powdered).
('One-quarter pound.)
One tsp. in a glass of lukewarm water will cause vomiting. Useful
as an emetic in cases of poisoning, and in form of mustard plaster.
31. Essence of Peppermint.
(Two ounces.)
Dose:
Children, 3 to 10 drops in | glass of water.
Adults, 10 to 20 drops in J glass of water.
For colic, flatulence (gas), heart-burn.
Sometimes used externally for slight burns.
REMEDIES FOR THE HOME MEDICINE CLOSET 143
32. Tincture of Arnica.
(Four ounces.)
Applied externally as a remedy for strains, sprains, and bruises.
33. Oil of Turpentine.
(Two ounces.)
Useful for chilblains, and in "stupes." See Ready Reference List,
page 136.
(Buy this at the drug store — it is not the kind used in paint.)
34. Aseptic (Sterile) Absorbent Cotton.
(Small package.)
"Aseptic" means clean, or free from germs. Keep clean in pack-
age, owning end only as needed. Throw away all used cotton.
35. Sterile Gauze.
(Buy a one-yard package at the drug store. Keep it wrapped.)
"Sterile" means clean in a medical sense — free from germs. Do
not handle. Hands are seldom clean in a medical sense. Never use
old rags or pieces of handkerchiefs unless freshly laundered, but if
possible use sterile gauze for wrapping cuts or wounds.
36. Triangular Bandages.
The triangular bandage is the bandage used for first-aid emergencies.
The roller bandages are for more permanent use.
It is most convenient to have on hand one of the Red Cross First
Aid Outfits, the contents of which are so packed as to keep them free
from dust.
The simplest of these outfits contains all material necessary in
ordinary household accidents:
A triangular muslin bandage.
A gauze bandage.
Two safety pins.
On the triangular bandage are printed pictures showing the way
in which it is used. (See Chapter XIII.)
10
144 THE MARY FRANCES FIRST AID BOOK
To a gauze bandage a pad of gauze is sewed. This pad may be
tied over a wound without being touched with the hands.
The safety pins are to hold bandages in place, but a stitch is better.
37. Roller Bandages.
In addition to the above, in every medicine closet there should be :
Three gauze roller bandages, 1 inch wide (for bandaging
fingers).
Three gauze roller bandages, 2§ inches wide (for bandaging
arms, etc.).
It is best to buy roller bandages, "wrapped ready for use, at the
drug store. Never use a wet bandage, for it shrinks as it dries, and
stops free circulation of the blood. (See Chapter XVI.)
38. Rubber Ear Syringe.
39. Fountain Syringe.
40. Graduate Measuring Glass, marked with dosage
— teaspoonful, tablespoonful.
EVE DROPPER
41. Eye Dropper, which can be used to drop med-
MEAS- icine.
TORINO GLASS
42. Hot-Water Bottle.
While this list of contents of the Home Medicine Closet may seem
long, the cost is but little, and the timely use of some of the remedies
may prevent serious illness and save doctors' bills.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90095-1388
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