You’re heading home from work, minding your own business—iPhone in hand—when suddenly you find a person passed out on the sidewalk. What will you do?
Seeing an unconscious person is a situation you likely never expect to happen in your lifetime. Yet sometimes, these situations occur, and you’re faced with a unique decision you may never have considered.
Your immediate reaction may depend upon several factors, such as the surrounding environment, the person’s appearance, and the nature of the fall. If you’re not sure how to move forward, don’t worry. Here’s what you need to know.
Check for Signs of Consciousness
When you come across an unconscious person, it is vital to check for signs of consciousness. This can be done by gently shaking the person and asking them to wake up. Do not attempt to move the person unless it is necessary. If you must move the person, do so carefully.
If they do not respond, it is important to call 911 and provide medical attention. There are many possible causes of unconsciousness, so it is important to seek professional help.
Call For Help
In times of emergency and you are not trained in first aid, dial 911 and let the operator know what is happening. If you do not have a phone with you, go to the nearest public place and find someone who can help you call for help. Once you have called for help, stay with the unconscious person and do not leave them alone until help arrives.
As you can see, it is necessary to know about performing first aid treatment during a medical emergency. So, you might want to visit website for basic life support. Knowing how to do first aid can help an unconscious person and potentially save their life.
Check Airway and Breathing
One thing you should do is check their airway and breathing. To do this, tilt their head back and lift their chin. Look and feel for breaths.
If they are breathing but not conscious, you will need to check for injuries and stabilize them until emergency medical help arrives. But if the person is not breathing, you will need to perform CPR.
Perform CPR if Necessary
To do this, you will need to place your hands on the person’s chest and push down at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. If you have trouble keeping pace, you can count out loud as you push down on the person’s chest or use a metronome.
Once the ambulance arrives, the paramedics will assess the situation and determine if the person needs to be shocked with an AED. If they do, the AED will be attached to the person’s chest and will deliver a shock that will hopefully restart their heart.
Be Knowledgeable in Performing Procedures for an Unconscious Person
If you encounter an unconscious person, you should call 911 and wait for medical help. Do not try to move the person, as they could have a spinal injury. You can provide CPR until help arrives if you are trained in CPR.
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