You Are At An Incident Where A Casualty Is Unconscious

Emergencies happen unexpectedly, and knowing how to respond when someone is unconscious can be the difference between life and death. Whether it’s a car accident, a fall, or a medical condition, an unconscious casualty requires immediate attention. In this topic, we will explore what to do if you are at an incident where a casualty is unconscious. We’ll break down the steps to take, what to look for, and how to provide basic care until help arrives.

Table of Contents

Recognizing an Unconscious Casualty

Before rushing into action, it’s essential to confirm that the casualty is unconscious. Signs of unconsciousness may include:

No response to verbal commands or touch.
No eye movement or flickering eyelids.
Irregular or absent breathing.
A limp body with no voluntary movement.

It is important to remember that unconsciousness is different from sleep or fainting. An unconscious person is unresponsive and cannot be awakened.

Step 1: Ensure Your Safety

Before approaching the unconscious casualty, ensure your own safety and the safety of others around you. If the incident occurred in a dangerous area (like near traffic or fire), move to a safer location if possible. Only approach the casualty once the scene is secure. If you cannot move them to safety, try to create a safe barrier between the casualty and any hazards.

Step 2: Check for Responsiveness

Once you’ve ensured safety, gently tap the casualty’s shoulder or shake them to see if they respond. Ask loudly, “Are you okay?” If there is no response, they are likely unconscious, and you need to take immediate action.

Step 3: Call for Help

If the casualty remains unconscious and unresponsive, immediately call emergency services (911 or the local emergency number). Provide the dispatcher with details of the incident, such as:

The location of the incident.
The nature of the situation (e.g., injury, medical emergency).
The condition of the casualty (unconscious, not breathing, etc.).
Whether there are any apparent hazards at the scene.

Even if you are unsure about the severity of the unconsciousness, it is better to err on the side of caution and call for professional help.

Step 4: Check for Breathing

Next, check if the casualty is breathing. To do this:

Place your ear near their mouth and nose.
Look at their chest to see if it rises and falls.
Feel for breath on your cheek.

If the casualty is not breathing or only gasping, you must begin CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) immediately. If they are breathing but unconscious, you should proceed with the next steps.

Step 5: Position the Casualty Safely

If the casualty is breathing, the priority is to keep their airway open and ensure they are in a safe position. You should place them in the recovery position, which helps maintain their airway and prevents choking in case they vomit.

Here’s how to do it:

Kneel beside the casualty and straighten their legs.
Place one arm nearest to you at a right angle to their body.
Bring the other arm across their chest, holding the back of their hand against their cheek.
Bend the far knee so the foot is flat on the ground.
Carefully roll the casualty toward you, using their bent knee as leverage, and support their head with the hand on their cheek.
Tilt their head back slightly to open the airway and ensure they are positioned on their side.

The recovery position helps prevent choking and ensures that the airway remains open while you wait for help to arrive.

Step 6: Monitor Their Condition

Once the casualty is in the recovery position, continue to monitor their condition. Check for:

Breathing: Make sure their breathing remains steady and unobstructed.
Pulse: If possible, check for a pulse. If they stop breathing or their heart stops, begin CPR.
Response: If the casualty starts to regain consciousness, keep them calm and still. Do not allow them to get up too quickly as they may feel disoriented.

Step 7: Provide CPR If Necessary

If the casualty is not breathing and has no pulse, you will need to begin CPR immediately. CPR involves two critical actions: chest compressions and rescue breaths.

Performing Chest Compressions

Place your hands in the center of the casualty’s chest.
Interlock your fingers and keep your elbows straight.
Press down hard and fast, compressing the chest by at least two inches at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

Rescue Breaths (If Trained)

After 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
Tilt the head back to open the airway.
Pinch the casualty’s nose shut and cover their mouth with yours.
Give a breath that lasts about 1 second and causes the chest to rise.
Continue alternating 30 compressions with 2 breaths until the casualty starts breathing, emergency responders arrive, or you are too exhausted to continue.

Step 8: Do Not Leave the Casualty Alone

Never leave an unconscious casualty unattended unless it is absolutely necessary (for example, to call for help). If you must leave, try to ask someone nearby to stay with them. If the casualty regains consciousness, reassure them and keep them calm while waiting for medical help.

Step 9: Provide Information to Emergency Services

When emergency responders arrive, provide them with any relevant information. This may include:

The cause of unconsciousness (e.g., accident, heart attack, stroke).
The casualty’s medical history (if known).
Any treatments or interventions you’ve performed, such as CPR or the recovery position.

Emergency responders will take over from here, but your actions may have greatly increased the casualty’s chances of survival.

When Should You Not Use CPR?

CPR should not be performed if the casualty shows obvious signs of death, such as:

No pulse or breathing and no response to initial interventions.
Severe trauma that is unlikely to result in recovery (e.g., massive head or chest injury).

In these cases, instead of performing CPR, provide emotional support to bystanders or family members while waiting for the authorities.

Responding to an unconscious casualty can be a high-stress situation, but knowing the steps to take can help save a life. Always stay calm, check for responsiveness, call for help, and assess breathing. If necessary, perform CPR and place the casualty in the recovery position. Your actions in those critical first minutes can be the difference between life and death. Be sure to seek proper first aid and CPR training to be prepared for emergencies and ensure you can act quickly and effectively.