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 waiter 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 kind of stimulant.