!Loss of Consciousness

Common causes of loss of consciousness are:
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 * shock
 * hit on the head
 * heart attack
 * stroke
 * poisoning
 * blood sugar too low
 * seizures
 * heat stroke
 * too much alcohol or drugs, or medicine

If a person is unconscious and you do not know why, immediately check each of 
the following: 

 1. Is he breathing well? If not, tilt his head way back and pull the jaw 
    and tongue forward. If something is stuck in his throat, pull it out. If 
    he is not breathing, use rescue breathing at once.
 2. If he might have a neck or back injury, do not move him because any 
    change of position may cause greater injury. If you have to move him, do 
    so with great care without bending his back or neck.
 3. Is he losing a lot of blood? If so, try to stop the bleeding.
 4. Is he in shock (moist, pale skin; weak, rapid pulse)? If so, lay him 
    with his head lower than his feet and loosen his clothing.
 5. Could it be heat stroke (no sweat, high fever, hot, red skin)? If so,
    shade him from the sun, keep his head higher than his feet, and soak him
    with cold water (ice water if possible) and fan him.
 6. If he is breathing and you are sure there are no back or neck injuries, 
    the person can be rolled to the side to prevent choking if he vomits.

If the unconscious person might have a neck or back injury:
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It is best not to move him until he becomes conscious. If you have to, move 
him, do so with great care, because if his neck or back is broken, any
change of position may cause greater injury. Look for wounds or broken
bones, but move the person as little as possible. Do not bend his back or
neck.

Never give anything by mouth to a person who is unconscious.

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from NEW WHERE THERE IS NO DOCTOR ©
Hesperian Health Guides 1919 Addison St Ste 304 Berkeley CA 94704
1.510.845.1447 hesperian@hesperian.org
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