A few simple first aid steps, such as checking their vital signs and signs of serious injury, can help that person until emergency services arrive. If you are not breathing, you may need CPR.
When a person is unconscious, they may appear to be sleeping, but they may not respond to external events, such as loud noises or being touched or hit.
Fainting is a type of unconsciousness that comes on suddenly and can last only a few seconds. Unconsciousness can last much longer and the vital signs of the affected person can change.
What is the first thing to do
When someone appears to be unconscious or is unresponsive, the first thing to do is ask them out loud if they are okay; then move him gently, unless he appears to have a spinal cord injury. If it does not respond, follow these steps:
– Check that the airways are open without signs of obstruction
– Look for signs that you are actually breathing
– Check for pulse or heartbeat
Next, you have to call emergency medical services if that person:
-no pulse or weak pulse
-does not appear to be breathing
-no responds or regains consciousness within 1 minute
-appears to be seriously injured or is bleeding profusely
If it seems that the affected person may have a spinal injury, it should be left as it is. It must not move. What we can do is take steps to keep the neck supported and immobile.
If that person is breathing and is unlikely to have a spinal injury, turn them on their side. Adjust your legs so that your hips and knees are at right angles. Tilt her head gently back to make sure her airway is open.
If the person is not breathing
If an unconscious person is not breathing, it may be necessary to move them carefully on their back, while protecting their neck, so they can receive CPR.
Call 911 (112) before administering CPR
Signs like moving, coughing, or breathing are good. If they are not present, continue resuscitation until emergency assistance arrives.
If the person is bleeding
If the unconscious person is bleeding heavily, locate the injury and apply strong, direct pressure to the injured area to decrease blood flow. If possible, apply a tourniquet over the bleeding area to decrease bleeding until emergency services arrive. To apply a tourniquet, wrap a rope or bandage around the affected limb.
What not to do
There are a few things to avoid when administering first aid:
-Do not place a cushion under the head of an unconscious person, as it can alter their breathing.
-Don’t try to make them sit up.
-Do not splash or slap an unconscious person with water.
-Do not try to get them to drink water or other liquids.
-If there is something visible in the back of the person’s throat or in the throat that is blocking the airway, try to remove it using a finger. If it’s not visible, don’t try it. This can cause the object to lodge deeper.
-If you are not breathing and you have an object lodged in your throat, continue to perform chest compressions and check if the object has detached.
-Never leave an unconscious person unattended
