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Unconsciousness - first aid

Alternative Names:

Loss of consciousness - first aid; Coma - first aid; Mental status change; Altered mental status

First Aid:

  1. Call or tell someone to call 911.
  2. Check the person's airway, breathing, and pulse frequently. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR .
  3. If the person is breathing and lying on the back, and you do not think there is a spinal injury , carefully roll the person toward you onto the side. Bend the top leg so both hip and knee are at right angles. Gently tilt the head back to keep the airway open. If breathing or pulse stops at any time, roll the person on to his back and begin CPR.
  4. If you think there is a spinal injury, leave the person found (as long breathing continues). If the person vomits, roll the entire body at one time to the side. Support the neck and back to keep head and body in the same position while you roll.
  5. Keep the person warm until medical help arrives.
  6. If you see a person fainting, try to prevent a fall. Lay the person flat on the floor and raise the feet about 12 inches.
  7. If fainting is likely due to low blood sugar , give the person something sweet to eat or drink when consciousness returns.

Do Not:

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

Call 911 if the person is unconscious and:

References:

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

Noble J, ed. Textbook of Primary Care Medicine . 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.

Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine . 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.

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