$Unique_ID{PAR00303}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Emergency First Aid:  UNCONSCIOUSNESS}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Siegfried, Donna M}
$Subject{UNCONSCIOUS UNCONSCIOUSNESS head injury injuries bleeding diabetic
coma insulin shock heat stroke poisoning choking allergic reaction electric
shocks unresponsive unresponsiveness lack awareness unaware flushed white blue
face gums}
$Log{
Step 5*0030301.tif}

The New Parents' Question & Answer Book


UNCONSCIOUSNESS


CAUSES

     Among the many possible causes of unconsciousness are head injury,
bleeding, diabetic coma, insulin shock, heatstroke, poisoning, choking, severe
allergic reaction, and electric shock.


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  -  unresponsiveness
  -  lack of awareness of surroundings
  -  flushed, white, or blue face and gums


EMERGENCY TREATMENT

1. Check breathing.  If breathing stops, see MOUTH-TO-MOUTH RESUSCITATION
   (previous section).
2. SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY if you cannot revive child.  Call 911
   or operator.

Until Ambulance Arrives:

3. If neck or back injury possible, DO NOT move child unless absolutely
   necessary to save child's life.  If no neck or back injury suspected, lay
   child down.
4. Loosen clothing.
5. Carefully turn child onto his or her side to keep airway open, to allow
   secretions to drain, and to prevent choking in case of vomiting.
6. Look for possible causes of unconsciousness, such as bleeding, head
   injury, heatstroke, or poisoning, and see appropriate section.
7. Keep child warm, but not hot.
8. DO NOT give child anything to eat or drink.
9. DO NOT leave child alone.