How do I assess an unconscious victim before giving first aid?
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Dr. Kathleen Handal answered:First if the person does not respond to your voice you need to decide are they breathing? Because if they are 'lifeless'-first aid for a broken bone is not important.
Understand that when a victim's heart has stopped pumping blood (cardiac arrest), permanent brain damage can begin in four to six minutes, so you must act fast.
If a person is unresponsive and not breathing you need to start CPR right away. Gasping is not breathing! By unresponsive I mean appears lifeless, doesn’t move or respond when shoulder is tapped. Yell for someone to call EMS and get an AED. An AED applied fast may restart the heart. Don’t worry, AEDs are user friendly and have displayed instructions on how to operate one.
Cardiac arrest can strike at any age and may be caused by many conditions, including heart attack, suffocation, allergic reaction, drowning, choking, or electric shock.First if the person does not respond to your voice you need to decide are they breathing? Because if they are 'lifeless'-first aid for a broken bone is not important. If a person is unresponsive and not breathing you need to start CPR right away.... More -
Shirley A. Jones answered:Before giving first aid to the unconscious victim, look at your surroundings and make sure the scene is safe. Next, check to see if the victim is responsive.
1. For an adult or child, gently tap or move the shoulders and ask, "Are you Okay?" Look for any movement, including breathing.
2. For an infant, gently tap the feet, never shake an infant. Look for any movement, including breathing.
3. If the victim is not breathing begin the steps for CPR. Ask someone to call 911 and request an automated external defibrillator (AED).
4. If the victim is breathing but unconscious he/she cannot tell you where the problem is, so you'll need to look for clues. Begin by looking for obvious signs such as bleeding, a bone protruding from a wound, or a gunshot wound.
5. Then check the victim from head to toe and look for anything out of the ordinary. Also, check for a medic alert bracelet or medications. Ask bystanders if they know the victim or how the accident or incident happened.
Before giving first aid to the unconscious victim, look at your surroundings and make sure the scene is safe. Next, check to see if the victim is responsive. 1. For an adult or child, gently tap or move the shoulders and ask, "Are you Okay?"... More
