First Aid Guide: Dealing with an Unconscious Person

Initial Steps

When you come across an unconscious person or are called to assist as a first aider, follow these steps:

• Call for help and try to find out if someone has witnessed the incident.
• STOP, THINK, and then ACT. Look for hazards and ensure they are removed. Identify other potential dangers and obstructions.
• If possible, have someone with you to call emergency services if needed.

Assessing the Patient

Introduce yourself to the patient, gently tap their collarbone, and see if there is any response. Ask for permission to help:

• If the patient is conscious, talk to them to understand what happened and keep them still while you assess the situation.
• If the patient is unconscious, ensure they are breathing. If not, commence CPR.

Checking for Breathing

To check for breathing:

• Open the airway by tilting the head back to draw the tongue away from the throat.
• Place one hand on the forehead and the other under the chin. Look into the mouth for obstructions.
• Gently lift the chin and push the forehead back.
• Look, listen, and feel for breathing for up to 10 seconds by placing your ear close to the mouth and observing chest movements.

If the patient is breathing normally, CPR is not required. Call an ambulance and ensure someone informs you when it will arrive.

Placing the Patient in the Recovery Position

To keep the airway open and prevent choking, place the patient in the recovery position:

• If available, put on gloves and perform a head-to-toe survey to check for injuries.
• Feel the shoulders, arms, and chest for deformities, blood, or fluids. Ensure the legs are in a normal position with no significant damage.
• Kneel next to the patient and straighten their legs with feet together.
• Place the nearest hand at a right angle to their body to support their head.
• Hold the farthest hand, interlock fingers, and place it against their nearest cheek.
• Grab their far knee, lift it, and use it as a lever to turn the patient onto their side, supporting their head.
• Ensure the airway remains open and position their leg to support them.

Ongoing Care

As a first aider, keep the patient comfortable and warm. Continuously monitor their breathing and talk to them. If someone is available, ask them to find out when the ambulance will arrive.

If you are alone without a phone, you may need to leave the patient to call emergency services. Ensure they are breathing before you leave and when you return.