Unconsciousness - first aid

Alternative Names:

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

Call or instruct someone to call 911.
Check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation frequently. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
If the person is breathing, and a spinal injury is NOT suspected, and he is lying on his back, carefully roll him toward you onto his 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 circulation stops at any time, roll the person on to his back and begin CPR.
If a spinal injury is suspected, leave the person as he was found (as long as he is breathing freely). If spinal injury is suspected and the person vomits, "log roll" the person to his side. Support the neck and back to keep head and body in the same position while you roll.
Keep the person warm until medical help arrives.
If you witness a person fainting, try to prevent him or her from falling. Lie the person flat on the floor and elevate the feet about 12 inches.
If fainting is likely due to low blood sugar, have the person eat or drink something sweet when he or she fully regains consciousness.

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.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

Call 911 if the person:

Is not breathing.
Does not regain consciousness quickly (within a couple of minutes).
Fell from a height or has been injured, especially if bleeding.
Has diabetes.
Is pregnant or is over 50 years old.
Feels chest pain, chest pressure, chest discomfort, or has a pounding or irregular heartbeat.
Can't speak, has vision problems, or can't move a limb.
Has convulsions, tongue trauma, or loss of bowel control.

References:

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen?s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5^th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2002.

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

Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4^th Ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2001.