1. Helping someone who is unconscious
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2. Introduction
This is a free first aid powerpoint provided by
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3. What is ‘unconsciousness’?
“complete or near-complete lack of responsiveness”
“unaware of both self and external surroundings”
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4. Unconsciousness vs sleeping
The difference between being asleep and being unconsciousness is that an unconscious person will not wake up.
Unconsciousness is a medical emergency
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5. Why the fuss? When someone goes unconscious, they loose muscle tone
This means they go all ‘floppy’ – like a rag doll
The tongue (a muscle) can block their airway when it looses muscle tone
This is known colloquially as “swallowing your own tongue”
In addition, loss of control over their stomach muscles can cause stomach contents (vomit) to travel back up to the throat which can block the airway
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6. What is the ‘airway’?
The airway is a series of tubes which caries air from your mouth & nose to your lungs
It can become blocked by the tongue and regurgitation of stomach contents
This will stop the casualty from breathing
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7. Helping someone who is unconscious
You can use the mnemonic “DR ABC” to remember what to do!
If you suspect someone is unconscious, do not leave them!
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8. D: Danger
Check to see if there are any dangers to yourself or the casualty
For example electrical cables, moving traffic, other people etc.
Try and make the scene as safe as possible
If the area is too dangerous then stay back and call the emergency services
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9. R: Response
Attempt to wake the person up by shouting loudly in both ears and tapping them on the shoulders
If you do not get a response, then the person is unconscious
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10. A: Airway
Open the airway by tilting the head backwards and lifting the chin with two fingers.
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11. B: Breathing (1) Keep your hands on the person’s head & chin
Place your cheek above their mouth and look at their chest
Look, listen and feel for regular breathing for up to 10 seconds.
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12. B: Breathing (2)
If the person is not breathing, commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
If they are breathing, then place them in the recovery position in order to protect their airway
The recovery position involves rolling the casualty onto their side with their head tilted back.
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14. The recovery position - steps
Kneel by the casualty’s waist
Grasp the hand nearest to you, place the back of their hand against their cheek closest to you
Lift the left furthest away from you at the knee and place their foot on the floor
Using their knee as a lever, pull the person onto their side
Ensure their head is still tilted back and they are on their side
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15. C: Call an ambulance
Once the person is in the recovery position call an ambulance if this has not been done already!
Recheck the casualty’s airway and breathing every few minutes until the ambulance arrives
Keep the casualty warm and dry if you can
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