An unresponsive patient
Procedure
- 1.Shout and shake the person gently.
- 2.Open the patient’s airway.
- 3.Check for normal breathing for no longer than 10 seconds.
- 4.If the patient does not breathe normally start chest compressions, see CPR in chapter 6.
using the jaw thrust method if cervical spinal injury is suspected; b. using the head tilt-chin lift method if cervical spine injury can be ruled out.
- 6.If cervical spine injury can be ruled out, move the patient to the semi-prone recovery position.
- 7.Establish the reason for unresponsiveness.
- 8.Check for MedicAlert identification.
- 9.Activate EMS and arrange for transportation to medical aid as soon as possible.
- 10.Administer oxygen, if available.
The rule is to give nothing by mouth (solids or liquids) if the patient is unresponsive.