Loss of Consciousness
=====================

Unconscious person
<gopher://tilde.pink/I/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/images/jpg/
300px-NWTND_fa_Page_4-1-a.jpg>

Common causes of loss of consciousness are:

shock
<gopher://tilde.pink/1/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/06-shock/>
hit on the head
<gopher://tilde.pink/1/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/13-head-injuries/>
heart attack
<gopher://tilde.pink/1/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/16-heart-attack/>
stroke
<https://en.hesperian.org/hhg/
New_Where_There_Is_No_Doctor:Other_Heart_Problems#stroke>
poisoning
<gopher://tilde.pink/1/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/25-poison/>
blood sugar too low
<gopher://tilde.pink/1/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/
26-diabetic-emergencies/>
seizures
<gopher://tilde.pink/1/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/
27-seizures-convulsions/>
heat stroke
<gopher://tilde.pink/1/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/30-heat-emergencies/>
too much alcohol or drugs, or medicine
<gopher://tilde.pink/1/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/25-poison/>

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.

rescue breathing
<gopher://tilde.pink/1/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/03-breathing/>

2. If he might have a neck or back injury, do not move him
----------------------------------------------------------

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.

neck or back injury
<gopher://tilde.pink/1/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/
12-spine-and-neck-injuries/>

3. Is he losing a lot of blood?
-------------------------------

If so, try to stop the bleeding.

stop the bleeding
<gopher://tilde.pink/1/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/05-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.

Elevate feet
<gopher://tilde.pink/I/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/images/jpg/
270px-NWTND_fa_Page_4-2-a.jpg>

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.

Elevate head
<gopher://tilde.pink/I/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/images/jpg/
290px-NWTND_fa_Page_4-3-a.jpg>

6. If he is breathing and you are sure there are no back or neck
----------------------------------------------------------------
injuries...
-----------

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.

Roll to side
<gopher://tilde.pink/I/~bencollver/books/no-doctor/images/jpg/
270px-NWTND_fa_Page_4-4.jpg>

If the unconscious person might have a neck or back injury:
-----------------------------------------------------------

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.

> from NEW WHERE THERE IS NO DOCTOR © Hesperian Health Guides,
> 1919 Addison St Ste 304, Berkeley, CA, 94704, 1.510.845.1447,
> [email protected]

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