FIRST AID IN THE X-RAY DEPARTMENT 195

conditions, since there is no external wound. The first aid measures are
the general ones previously described to be undertaken while medical
advice is obtained.
The patient should be reassured and kept at rest as comfortably as
possible in a place of privacy, even if the privacy can be only that provided
by a screen placed round him. If he is continuing to vomit or cough, he
should be assisted in this. The radiographer should provide a bowl and
hold it for him, and wipe his mouth every so often with a clean tissue. He
will find it easier if he can be supported sitting up, but if this is impossible

(he may be too to attempt it), then he will have to be positioned and
ill

supported lying down with his head turned to one side. The best type of
bowl to use kidney shaped receiver, as the concavity of the curve fits
is
a

If
under the patient's chin and makes more efficient arrangement. the
a
water may be given by mouth; in the case of haemate-
it,

patient can take

mesis will be beneficial the water ice cold.
if
it

is

Bleeding from the Nose (Epistaxis)

The patient should be supported sitting up with his head held forward,
and he should be told to breathe through his mouth. Direct pressure

is
by

easily applied compressing both nostrils firmly between finger and

by

thumb, or compressing the affected nostril with an index finger against

the nasal septum. This likely to be the most effectual way to arrest the
is

haemorrhage in young subject, when the bleeding often from point

is

a
a

inside the nostril on the septum of the nose.

If

the bleeding persistent

is

and severe, medical advice should be sought.

In an elderly person the bleeding may be from within the bony part
of the nose, and thus the point of haemorrhage cannot be compressed.
The patient should lie flat with his face turned downwards, and he should be
given bowl into which the blood and saliva may flow. He should be
a

told to breathe through his mouth and not to swallow; cork placed
a

between his teeth to hold his mouth open will aid him in carrying out
both these instructions. He should be discouraged from hawking and
spitting in an effort to clear his throat of any blood which has flowed into
since this activity tends to prevent natural blockage of the nose
by
it,

clotting which will occur to arrest the haemorrhage.

If

the bleeding
is

persistent and severe, medical advice must be sought.

First aid measures described for epistaxis usually include applications of
cold, either as cold compress or with an ice cube held to the bridge of the
a

nose. These procedures can certainly do no harm, but they are in fact
likely to be of little effect in arresting the haemorrhage.