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 911 or 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 swellings. * 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 epilepsy, 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 ------------------ These files may be accessed through the web at http://firstaid.ie.eu.org/ I would like to thank the IEASR for allowing me to convert their pages over to the Pilot. Mary Jo Sminkey maryjo@dogpatch.org http://www.dogpatch.org ------------------ DISCLAIMER: Information in these files is presented in order to impart general information relating to first aid of various injuries and conditions. Such information is not complete and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit with your physician or other health care provider, or as a substiture for actual training in first aid and/or CPR. While all reasonable care has been taken in compiling this information, Mary Jo Sminkey and Irish Emergency Ambulance Services Resource (IEASR) make no warranty as to the information's completeness, reliability or accuracy. Access to and use of the information contained herein is entirely at the risk of the user, Mary Jo Sminkey and IEASR shall not be liable, directly or indirectly to the user or any third party for any damage resulting from the use of the information contained or implied in the Pilot First Aid files.