First aid for an unconscious person

Updated on: June 1, 2024

Learning first aid for unconscious person is a crucial skill. It includes assessing the condition of the patient and making sure they can breathe. Next, you need to start by checking for breath and pulse. In case they are not breathing, you need to call emergency services immediately. While waiting for help, tilt their head back and lift their chin to open the airway.

If they’re still not breathing, perform rescue breathing by giving them breaths using a bag-mask device. Continue until help arrives or they start breathing on their own. Remember, to stay calm and act swiftly as it can save a precious life. Let us explore the ways by which you can approach an unconscious patient.

What Causes Unconsciousness and How Can You Recognize It?

Unconsciousness can stem from various factors, so recognizing its signs is necessary for a quick intervention. Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Cause	How to Recognize it.
Trauma	Severe head injury, falls, or accidents can lead to unconsciousness.
Medical Conditions	Conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, or heart problems may cause loss of consciousness.
Substance Abuse	Overdosing on drugs or alcohol can result in unconsciousness.
Low Blood Sugar	Hypoglycemia can cause fainting or loss of consciousness.
Heatstroke	Excessive heat exposure can lead to heatstroke and unconsciousness.
Lack of Oxygen	Suffocation, choking, or drowning can deprive the brain of oxygen, causing unconsciousness.

Understanding these causes and their recognition helps in giving an appropriate response to unconsciousness.

How Should You Approach an Unconscious Person?

Approaching an unconscious person requires care and swift action. Here is how to do it:

Ensure your safety and the safety of others nearby.
Gently tap the person and call out to assess responsiveness.
Check for breathing by observing the rise and fall of the chest.
If no breathing is detected, call emergency services immediately.
Position the person on their back if there are no spinal injuries suspected.
Tilt their head back and lift the chin to open the airway.
Check for any obstructions in the mouth and remove them if it is safe to do so.
Stay with the person until help arrives, monitoring their condition.
Be prepared to administer CPR if necessary, following training guidelines

What Are the Vital Signs to Check First?

When dealing with an unconscious person, assessing vital signs promptly is crucial. Here’s what to prioritize:

Breathing:

Observe the rise and fall of the chest.
Listen for any sounds of breathing.

Pulse:

Check for a pulse by feeling the carotid artery on the neck.
Alternatively, check the pulse on the wrist (radial artery) if the neck is inaccessible.

Consciousness:

Gently tap or shake the person to assess responsiveness.
Call their name and ask if they’re okay.

Understanding these basic signs gives us essential information for determining the person’s condition and the appropriate next steps.

Read more: What Is PALS And Its Teachings?

How are breaths delivered using a bag-mask?

A Bag Valve Mask (BVM) device is a tool that assists an unconscious person in breathing. It has a self-inflating bag which is connected to a face mask. When the bag is pressed, it delivers oxygen directly into the lungs which is similar to a person’s natural breathing. So, this action helps maintain oxygen levels, especially when the person is unable to breathe on their own. BVMs are commonly used by trained individuals, such as first responders and medical professionals so that they can provide immediate respiratory assistance.

What Are the Steps for Administering Bag Mask Ventilation (BMV)?

Administering Bag Mask Ventilation (BMV) is a critical skill in emergencies. Here’s a simplified guide:

Steps	How to Administer?
1. Position the person correctly	Place them on their back on a flat surface with their head tilted back.
2. Open the airway	Lift the chin and tilt the head backward to ensure a clear airway.
3. Seal the mask tightly over the face	Ensure a snug fit over the nose and mouth, using both hands to hold it.
4. Squeeze the bag	Use one hand to hold the mask and the other to squeeze the bag.
5. Watch for chest rise	Look for the chest to rise with each breath, indicating successful ventilation.
6. Adjust the rate and depth of breaths	Provide breaths at a steady pace and depth to maintain oxygenation.
7. Continue until help arrives or recovery	Administer BMV until the person starts breathing on their own or until medical assistance arrives.

Following these steps allows for correct ventilation and supports the person’s respiratory needs until further help is available.

How Do You Monitor and Adjust Ventilation Effectively?

Monitoring and adjusting ventilation during first aid are crucial for the well-being of an unconscious person. Here’s a simple guide:

Observation:

Watch for chest rise and fall with each ventilation cycle.
Ensure the chest rises adequately to indicate effective breath delivery.

Breath Rate:

Maintain a steady rhythm of breaths.
Aim for around 10 to 12 breaths per minute for adults.
Adjust according to the person’s size and condition.

Breath Depth:

Ensure sufficient tidal volume with each breath.
Aim for visible chest rise without over inflation.
Adjust the pressure on the bag to control breath volume.

Response Monitoring:

Continuously assess the person’s responsiveness and vital signs.
Check for signs of improvement, such as spontaneous breathing or regaining consciousness.
Be prepared to adjust ventilation techniques based on their condition.

Regular monitoring and adjustment of ventilation help optimize oxygenation and support the person’s recovery process.

Read more: Lifesaving Tips from PALS Experts

Conclusion

Providing first aid for unconscious person demands quick and precise steps. Monitoring breathing, using tools like the BVM, and adjusting ventilation as needed are key. Remember, staying calm, confident, and prepared can make all the difference in saving lives during critical moments. By keeping calm responders greatly increase the odds of a successful outcome

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8389963/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537527/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6618230/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470402/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3876499/