Unconsciousness - first aid

Alternative Names

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

• DO NOT give an unconscious person any food or drink.
• DO NOT leave the person alone.
• DO NOT place a pillow under the head of an unconscious person.
• DO NOT slap an unconscious person's face or splash water on the face to try to revive him.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call 911 if the person is unconscious and:

• Is not breathing
• Does not return to consciousness quickly (within a couple of minutes)
• Fell down or has been injured, especially if bleeding
• Has diabetes
• Is pregnant
• Is over age 50
• Feels chest pain, chest pressure, chest discomfort, or has a pounding or irregular heartbeat
• Can't speak, has vision problems, or can't move the arms or legs
• Has seizures
• Loss of bowel control

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.