First Aid for the Unconscious

What do you do when someone becomes unconscious in front of you? Call the emergency, obviously. What would you do in the meanwhile? Read more to be prepared.

The unconscious person must be immediately checked for breathing, airway and blood circulation. This can be done by following the instructions given below.

Check for any discharge from the mouth in the form of vomit, fluid, foods, etc by tilting the chin upwards and opening the mouth slightly. It checks for any blockage or hindrance in the throat or windpipe (airway).

Place first two fingers on to the front part of the throat to feel the pulse of carotid artery. In case of children below 1 year of age, the pulse can be felt by placing finger on the inner arm, below the elbow. It checks for the circulation. If there is no pulse for 10 seconds then start performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The breath of the person is checked by observing the movement of their chest. If that is not visible then place your hand on the chest. If there is still no hint of breathing then perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation immediately.

How to Give Artificial Respiration?

To give artificial respiration let the person remain laid down on his back. Tilt the chin upwards and check that there is no obstruction in the airway. Shut their nose with thumb and first finger.

Breathe into the causality’s mouth for 2 seconds. The chest falls down as the airway takes the air inwards. If it does not fall then start giving CPR in addition with artificial respiration.

In case of a child below the age of 1 year, breathe into the nose and mouth and wait for 3 seconds for the chest to fall. Otherwise, start CPR.

How to do Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation?

Kneel down to the causality and place end of the hand on the lower end of the breast. This is the position near to the ventricles. The ventricles are responsible for pumping oxygenated blood into the arteries and hence the distribution throughout the body.

Place the hands one on the other and press firmly, about 4 to 5 cm into the chest. Give 100 compressions in one minute which is done in addition with artificial respiration given after every 15th compression.

Check for the pulse again by the end of the minute.