First Aid_Unconsciousness
Unconsciousness
The most common causes of
unconsciousness are stroke, epilepsy, drug overdose, head injury, cardiac
arrest, poisoning, diabetes and alcohol. There are various levels of unconsciousness.
If the person responds to sound and touch, then the state is only light
as in a faint. If the level of response is low, then the person is more
deeply unconscious.
If there is no response
at all, then there is a potentially dangerous state.
Send for an Ambulance.
Dial 999
or 112 or your local emergency services telephone number.
Treatment:
-
If breathing and heartbeat have
stopped, begin the A-B-C of resuscitation
immediately.
-
If the casualty is breathing
normally, place in the recovery position,
But if there is any possibility
of spinal injury DO NOT MOVE unless
breathing difficulty makes it vital.
-
Examine the casualty for causes
of unconsciousness. There may be signs of injury such as bleeding or swellings.
-
Treat any serious wounds
or fractures.
-
Look carefully for other clues
e.g. glucose tablets could indicate that the casualty suffers from diabetes.
Many people with epilepsy,
haemophilia
or diabetes wear an identity bracelet
to this effect..
-
Cover with blanket, keep warm
and reassure.
-
If removal to hospital is delayed,
check the levels of responsiveness, pulse and breathing every ten minutes,
and be ready to give the
A-B-C
of resuscitation as required,.
-
DO
NOT give anything to eat or drink.
-
DO
NOT leave unattended.
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