In the opening discussion of precautions and limitations in first-aid work, there is strong emphasis on the inadequacies of lay personnel and the possibility of applying erroneous therapy. It is stated that, nevertheless, complete first-aid therapy is being described for its educational value. This decision might be questioned both on the basis of possible development of frustration in the would-be first-aider and because, with all the details described so explicitly, some first-aiders may forget the initial warnings and attempt to carry out measures that are far beyond their capabilities.
A pertinent example of this borderline area is found in the discussion of tracheostomy, in which the guest writer states that the procedure has occasionally been accomplished by relatively untrained persons using only a pocket knife or razor blade. Further stimulus to impulsive first-aid action is provided by four drawings of the operative steps.
All aspects of first aid are covered