All clothing should be loosened. The patient should be placed over a barrel, or the feet elevated, in fact, stood on his head for a few minutes; this should be done even in the seemingly most hopeless cases, and no effort should be spared in the attempt to restore consciousness. After he has been rolled on the barrel, or otherwise emptied of water, artificial respiration should be tried. The patient should be laid en the back, with shoulders elevated, a coat, shawl, or stick of wood, will answer the purpose. Anything that may have found entrance into the mouth should be removed by inserting the finger, and it would be well to always make an examination in this way. The tongue should then be drawn out of the mouth and held.

To practice artificial respiration, kneel down above the head, grasp both elbows, bring them horizontally from the sides over the head, until they almost meet, then pull strongly for a few seconds, return them to the sides and press with force against the ribs. The movement should then be repeated, until natural respiration has been restored. As soon as possible the patient should be given stimulants. It is always important that he be kept warm.