Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Suspension, by the Cord

SUSPENSION by the Cord, or Hanging, is either the act of suicide, or that of being suffocated, by means of a rope tied round the neck; in consequence of which, the vital principle is extinguished.

As many persons unfurtunately perish, who are from various causes induced to resort to this fatal expedient, we shall briefly state the symptoms, or external signs, by which it may be ascertained, whether they died in consequence of strangulation; and also point out those remedies which have been suggested for the recovery of life.

Symptoms of apparent death, by suffocation with the cord:—The external aspect somewhat resembles that of drowned persons; the face is uncommonly swoln, and of a deep red hue; so that every feature is distorted: the eyes are inflated, and project from their sockets; a bloody froth appears at the month; all the vessels of the neck and face are distended; and swallowing is totally impeded.

Treatment:—1. The cord must be instantly cut; the suspended body being gently taken down, every ligature ought to be removed; the head should be supported in an erect posture, and turned towards the left side. 2. Air must be blown upon the face, which should also be sprinkled with cold water. The gullet ought to be stimulated by a feather moistened with oil; and vinegar be applied to the nostrils, while the regions of the heart and throat are gently compressed. Farther, the patient ought to be wrapped in warm flannel, or placed between feather-beds; and a bladder, filled with tepid water, applied to the pit of the stomach: the whole body may also be fomented, or immersed in the luke-warm bath.

Stimulants:—1. Moderate friction with warm flannel, to be gradually increased on the left side. 2. The shower-bath, combined with friction. 3. Stimulating clysters, consisting of salt-water and oil: none of these remedies, however, must be resorted to, where the blood appears to be determined towards the heart and head.

As soon as the first symptoms of resuscitation become evident, the blowing of air into the nostrils, and aspersion of cold water on the face, ought to be continued: next, clysters, consisting of a strong solution of emetic tartar, ought to be administered; and the sugillations, or injured parts, be fomented with wine, in which chamomile flowers have been infused. Lastly, when the ability of swallowing is restored, the patient should take frequent draughts of vinegar diluted with cold water, and mild, cooling laxatives.