First Aid - Unconsciousness

Unconsciousness occurs when a person is unable to respond to stimuli and appears to be asleep or unaware of their surroundings. This can result from various causes, such as head injuries, low blood sugar, dehydration, heart problems, drug overdose, or fainting. Here's a step-by-step guide to providing first aid for an unconscious person:

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### **1. Ensure Your Safety**
- Check the surroundings for potential dangers (e.g., traffic, electrical hazards, fire).
- Ensure it's safe for you to approach the person.

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### **2. Check Responsiveness**
- Gently tap their shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?”
- If there’s no response, proceed with the next steps.

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### **3. Call for Help**
- Dial emergency services immediately (e.g., 911 or your local emergency number).
- If possible, ask someone nearby to assist.

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### **4. Open the Airway**
- Tilt the person’s head back slightly by lifting their chin and pushing their forehead back.
- This helps keep the airway open.

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### **5. Check Breathing**
- Look, listen, and feel for breathing for 10 seconds:
- **Look** for chest movements.
- **Listen** for breathing sounds.
- **Feel** for breath on your cheek.
- If the person is not breathing normally, prepare to start CPR.

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### **6. Perform CPR (If Necessary)**
- If the person is unresponsive and not breathing:
1. **Chest compressions**: Place your hands in the center of their chest and press down hard and fast (2 inches deep, at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute).
2. **Rescue breaths** (if trained): Give 2 breaths after every 30 compressions.
3. Continue until emergency services arrive or the person starts breathing.

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### **7. If They Are Breathing Normally**
- Place them in the **recovery position**:
1. Roll the person onto their side.
2. Tilt their head slightly back to maintain the airway.
3. Bend their top leg to stabilize their body.
- Monitor their breathing and stay with them until help arrives.

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### **8. Treat Possible Causes (If Known)**
- **Fainting**: Raise their legs to improve blood flow to the brain.
- **Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)**: If they regain consciousness and can swallow, give a sugary drink or snack.
- **Heatstroke**: Move them to a cool place and apply a damp cloth.

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### **9. Do Not:**
- Give them food or drink if unconscious.
- Try to forcefully wake them by shaking.
- Leave them alone unless you need to call for help.

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### Remember:
Your quick response could save a life. If you're unsure of the situation, focus on keeping the person safe and getting professional help as soon as possible.