UNCONSCIOUSNESS        

Immediate measures

• If the patient is not breathing, begin artificial respiration immediately
• Clear the patient's mouth of any vomit, blood or displaced dentures
• Control any bleeding, check for other wounds and for possible fractures
• If it is safe to move patient, turn gently into recovery position
• If possible, stay with patient and send someone for medical help

Important Tips

Fainting

When a person who is sitting feels faint and it is impossible to lay him down (for example, in a movie theatre), tell him to bend all the way forward, with his head low between his legs. He should try to relax completely. Do not leave him, but stay next to him to support him in case he loses consciousness

Whenever possible, lay the patient down, head low and legs raised. Loosen tight clothing at neck. If he is conscious tell him to take deep, slow breaths. As he recovers give him cold water to drink. Advise him to remain where he is for five minutes before trying to sit up slowly.

Unconciousness

·         In an unconscious person, the tongue is likely to flop backwards and obstruct the opening of the windpipe.

·         Bend the head right back; the tongue will then be carried up with the jaw and the airway will open. Do this without twisting the neck. If necessary, give artificial respiration

·         Stop bleeding and dress wounds. Cheek for fractures. Feel firmly but gently with hands flat, from one end of the body to the other, taking note of any swellings. If you suspect a fracture, leave the patient lying as he is, otherwise lay him in recovery position and cover with blankets

Important Considerations

·         Remember to cheek the patient's breathing before you do anything else. If he is lying on his back, his tongue may be obstructing the airways. This must be treated as an emergency

·         Remove anything, such as a pillow, from under the patient's head if he is breathing with difficulty

·         Follow the routine to safeguard breathing, stop bleeding and protect against further harm before considering moving the patient into the recovery position

·         Don't twist or turn the neck when moving the head, in case there has been some injury to the upper part of the vertebral column

·         Don't try to make the unconscious person drink. The fluid would run in to the windpipe. Even if he responds vaguely to touch and speech, his ability to swallow may be impaired