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OXYGEN THERAPY AND THE OXYGEN TENT.
I am glad to note that the " Novox " apparatus has
been frequently used for the immediate treatment of asphyxia
during the past year. In a large population there must be a
considerable number of people annually who would be immediately
benefited, indeed whose lives might be prolonged
or saved by its use. The apparatus consists of cylinders of
oxygen and carbonic acid gas—the latter, in certain proportions
of the mixture, being a powerful stimulus to breathing.
The apparatus is kept at the Fire Station and also in the
Ambulance.
When it is desired to give oxygen alone, of many
methods tried, there are only two really good and efficient.
One by the nasal catheter, and the other the oxygen tent,
and these might be used e.g. in cases of acute bronchitis,
asthma, pneumonia, cyanosed conditions, etc. But the best
method of giving oxygen is by the oxygen tent. The first
tent was devised by Sir Leonard Hill in 1921. It has been
developed in America and further improved at Guy's Hospital.
Unfortunately the technique required is somewhat
elaborate, and implies the employment of a technical assistant
as there are so many points to be remembered in using
the tent. Of its efficacy there can be no doubt; it is alleged
that recently out of 28 grave cases of pneumonia, with a
bad prognosis, 20 have lived, and the rest were relieved.
I only draw attention to the matter to advocate the
support of the establishment of an oxygen service in town,
available to all, on payment, it is suggested, of about £3 a
day, and less on subsequent days. The Council is concerned
that such service shall be available for the poorer patient at
cost, or at less than cost price.
All enquiries on this matter should be made to the
Medical Section, British Industries House, Marble Arch,
W.I.
BIRTH CONTROL.
Birth control is not really a good term. It would be
better styled Control of Conception. Contraception does
not destroy new life, because you cannot destroy that which
has never existed. Abortion is quite another story— is practised,
to a very serious extent by all classes, and especially
by those women who are ignorant of the safe and simple
methods of contraception. It must be obvious to all that
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