Alternate Names: Loss of consciousness - first aid; Coma - first aid

Considerations:

Being asleep is not the same thing as being unconscious. An unconscious person cannot cough or clear his or her throat. This can lead to death if the airway becomes obstructed.

Causes:

• Unconsciousness can be caused by virtually any major illness or injury, as well as substance abuse and alcohol use.
• Brief unconsciousness (or fainting) is often caused by low blood sugar or by standing too long in one place. It can also be caused by a serious illness. If a person faints, try to prevent him or her from falling. Lie the victim down face up on the floor and elevate the feet about 12 inches. Don’t place a pillow under the head. Wipe the victim’s forehead with a cool cloth.

Symptoms:

• Unresponsiveness (does not awaken when spoken to, touched, or otherwise stimulated)

• The person may not be totally unconscious. Symptoms before or after an unconscious episode may include:

• Disorientation
• Drowsiness
• Stupor

Do Not:

• Give an unconscious victim any food or drink.
• Leave the victim alone.
• Place a pillow under the head of an unconscious victim.
• Slap an unconscious person’s face to try to revive him or her.
• Throw water in an unconscious person’s face to try to revive him or her.

Call If:

If the victim does not regain consciousness right away, you should call immediately for emergency medical assistance.

First Aid:

1. Check the victim’s airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.

2. If a spinal injury is not suspected and the victim is lying on his or her back, place the victim in the recovery position. To do this, kneel beside the victim, turn his or her face toward you, put the victim’s near arm at his or her side and place it under his or her buttock. Place the victim’s other arm across the chest. Move the victim’s far leg over the near leg so the ankles are crossed. While supporting the victim’s head with one hand, grab the clothing at the hip and pull the victim toward you. Bend the victim’s top arm to support the upper body. Bend the victim’s top knee to support the lower body. Gently tilt the victim’s head back to make sure the airway is open.

3. If a spinal injury is suspected, leave the victim as he or she was found (as long as he or she is breathing freely). If spinal injury is suspected and the victim vomits, "log roll" the victim by supporting the neck and spine to keep head position neutral with body position while turning the victim on the side.

4. Gently restrain the victim if he or she becomes agitated.

5. Give first aid for convulsions, if necessary.

6. Keep the victim warm until medical help is obtained.

7. If unconsciousness is due to low blood sugar, have the victim eat or drink something sweet upon gaining consciousness.

Prevention:

• People with known medical conditions, such as diabetes, should always wear a medical alert tag or bracelet
• Avoid situations where your blood sugar level gets too low
• Avoid standing in one place too long without moving, especially if prone to fainting