FIRST AID FOR UNCONSCIOUSNESS:

Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

What is unconsciousness?
Fainting is sudden loss of consciousness. It is symptom of not enough of
oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain. It may occur if the heart cannot pump
sufficiently and then decrease of blood flow to the brain.
People who become unconscious do not respond to loud sounds or shaking.
They may even stop breathing or their pulse may become faint. This calls for
immediate attention

What causes unconsciousness?

Unconsciousness is when a person suddenly becomes unresponsive. He or
she will not be able to communicate and wont respond to stimulation
Can be brought on by a major illness can be brought on by a major illness or
injury or complications from drug use or alcohol abuse.
Common causes of unconsciousness include:

Car accident
Sever blood loss
A blow to the chest or head
A drug overdose
Alcohol poisoning

Signs that a person may become unconscious

Suddenly inability to respond

Slurred speech
A rapid heartbeat
Confusion
Dizziness or lightheadedness

Administering First Aid

If you see a person who has become unconscious, take these steps;

Check to see if the person is breathing. If he or she is breathing, position the

person on his or her back
Raise the persons legs at least 12 inches above the ground
Loosen any restrictive clothing or belts. If the person does not regain
consciousness within 1 minute call the emergency hotline
Check the persons airway to make it is not obstructed
Check again to see if the person is breathing, coughing or moving. These are
signs of positive circulation. If these signs are absent start CPR until
emergency personnel arrive.

CPR instruction
CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is used in cases when a person stops
breathing or his or her hear stops beating

If a person becomes unconscious or stops breathing, call emergency hotline or ask

someone else to. Before beginning CPR ask loudly Are you OK? if the person does
not respond, begin CPR

Lay the person on his or her back on a firm surface

Kneel next to the persons neck and shoulder
Place the heel of your hand over the center of the persons chest. Put your
other hand direcly over the first one and interlace your fingers. Make sure
that your elbows are straight and move your shoulders up above your hands
Using your upper body weight, push straight down on the persons chest at
least 1.5 inches for children or 2 inches for adults. Then release the pressure.
Repeat this procedure again up to 100 times per minute. These are called
chest compression

Note: To minimize potential injuries, only the who are trained in CPR are encouraged
to perform rescue breathing. If you have not been trained, perform hands-only CPR
by providing chest compressions until medical help arrives.
If you are trained in CPR, tilt the persons head back and lift the chin to open up the
airway.

Pinch the persons nose closed and cover his or her mouth with yours,
creating an airtight seal
Give two, once-second breaths and watch for the persons chest to rise.
Continue alternating between compressions and breaths 30 compression
and two breaths until help arrive or there are signs of movement