Lessons In First Aid

Miss Helpem was talking with Shesa Brave.

       Miss 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 children'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.

       "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.

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 nurse, please wait for an explanation 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.

Introduction: Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Lessons In First Aid,  7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 

       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 fold a drinking glass from a piece of paper."

Fold a drinking cup just like Miss Helpen suggests by vinagurl.