Unconsciousness
Alternative names:
loss of consciousness - first aid; coma - first aid
First aid:
- Check the victim's airway, breathing, and circulation.
If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
- If a spinal injury
is not suspected and the victim is lying on his or her back,
place the victim in the recovery position. To do this, kneel
beside the victim, turn his or her face toward you, put
the victim's near arm at his or her side and place it under
his or her buttock. Place the victim's other arm across
the chest. Move the victim's far leg over the near leg so
the ankles are crossed. While supporting the victim's head
with one hand, grab the clothing at the hip and pull the
victim toward you. Bend the victim's top arm to support
the upper body. Bend the victim's top knee to support the
lower body. Gently tilt the victim's head back to make sure
the airway is open.
- If a spinal injury is suspected, leave the victim as he
or she was found (as long as he or she is breathing freely).
If spinal injury is suspected and the victim vomits, "log
roll" the victim by supporting the neck and spine to keep
head position neutral with body position while turning the
victim on the side.
- Gently restrain the victim if he or she becomes agitated.
- Give first aid for convulsions,
if necessary.
- Keep the victim warm until medical help is obtained.
- If unconsciousness is due to low
blood sugar, have the victim eat or drink something
sweet upon gaining consciousness.
Do not:
- DO NOT give an unconscious victim any food or drink.
- DO NOT leave the victim alone.
- DO NOT place a pillow under the head of an unconscious
victim.
- DO NOT slap an unconscious person's face to try to revive
him or her.
- DO NOT throw water in an unconscious person's face to
try to revive him or her.
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
- The victim does not regain consciousness right away.
Updated Date: 02/09/00
Updated By:J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
editorial
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