1Check consciousness
2Summon help
3Treat injuries
4 Monitor victim
Unconsciousness
RESUSCITATION TECHNIQUES • UNCONSCIOUSNESS
21
An interruption in the normal activity of the brain results in unconsciousness. This potentially lifethreatening condition requires immediate medical help. The aims of first-aid treatment are to check the victim’ s level of consciousness, open the airway and check breathing, then, if the victim is breathing, to put him or her in a stable position until help arrives.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• No response to loud noise or gentle shaking
• Closed eyes
• No movement or sound
TREATING UNCONSCIOUSNESS( all ages)
1Check consciousness
• Check the victim for signs of consciousness( p. 12).
• Open the victim’ s airway( p. 13) and check her breathing( p. 14).
• If the victim is not breathing, begin rescue breaths( p. 16 for adults and children, p. 17 for babies).
• If the victim is breathing, place her in the recovery position( pp. 14 – 15 for adults and children, p. 15 for babies) and treat any injuries( see step 3).
Keep leg bent
2Summon help
• Dial 911 or call EMS.
• Look for clues to the cause of the condition, such as needle marks, medical warning bracelets, or identification cards.
• Ask bystanders for any information they may have that you can give to the emergency services.
3Treat injuries
• Examine the victim gently for any serious injuries.
• Control any bleeding( p. 31). Check for and support suspected broken arms or legs( pp. 44 – 45).
4 Monitor victim
• Stay with the victim until medical help arrives.
• Monitor her breathing regularly( p. 68 for an adult, p. 71 for a child or baby) and pulse( p. 68 for an adult, p. 70 for a child or baby) every 10 minutes.
• Check for any changes in the victim’ s level of consciousness by asking simple questions or shaking her gently every 5 – 10 minutes.
! Important
• Do not move the victim unnecessarily in case there is spinal injury.
• If you need to leave the victim to get help, place her in the recovery position( pp. 14 – 15
for adults and children, p. 15 for babies).
• Do not shake a baby or child.
• Be prepared to begin resuscitation( pp. 12 – 20).
• Do not give an unconscious victim anything to eat or drink.