How To Save A Life

Since 1952, the most favoured method of artificial respiration has been the Holger Neilsen system, which can be operated efficiently by only one person, with a minimum of preparation. Since it is likely that most people would not know what to do in an emergency of this kind, "Photo News" has photographed girls of the Waikanae Women's Life Saving Club demonstrating this simple method of first aid for drowning victims who have apparently ceased to breathe.

These movements, taking about 7 seconds, should be repeated indefinitely, if necessary for hours, until all hope of resuscitation is past. Count 1_2-3-change, 5_6-7-change. If patient begins to show signs of life, omit pressure and continue with arm raising only.

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Immediately place patient face downwards with forehead resting on folded arms. Give a couple of firm blows between shoulders with flat of the hand. Take up position as demonstrated above, with hands on patient's shoulder blades.

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Rock forward on the outstretched arms until they are vertical. Pressure should be light, without force—about 22–30 lbs. This induces expiration. This action should take approximately 2 1/2 seconds.

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Let the hands slide down patient's arms to elbows (1 second) in preparation to raise them slightly.

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Raise patient's arms to induce inspiration (approx. 2 1/2 seconds). Then (in 1 second) lower arms again and return to position 1.