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Unconsciousness
The most common causes of unconsciousness
are stroke, epilepsy, drug overdose, head injury, cardiac arrest, poisoning, diabetes and
alcohol. There are various levels of unconsciousness. If the person responds to sound and
touch, then the state is only light as in a faint. If the level of response is low, then
the person is more deeply unconscious. If there is no response at all, then there is
a potentially dangerous state. Send for an Ambulance. Dial your local
emergency services telephone number.
Treatment:
- If breathing and heartbeat have stopped,
begin the A-B-C of resuscitation
immediately.
- If the casualty is breathing normally,
place in the recovery position, But if there is any
possibility of spinal injury DO NOT MOVE unless breathing difficulty makes it
vital.
- Examine the casualty for causes of
unconsciousness. There may be signs of injury such as bleeding or swelling.
- Treat any serious wounds or fractures.
- Look carefully for other clues e.g.,
glucose tablets could indicate that the casualty suffers from diabetes. Many people with haemophilia or diabetes
wear an identity bracelet to this effect.
- Cover with blanket, keep warm and
reassure.
- If removal to hospital is delayed, check
the levels of responsiveness, pulse and breathing every ten minutes
and be ready to give the A-B-C of resuscitation
as required.
- DO NOT give anything to eat or
drink.
- DO NOT leave unattended.
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