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Loss of Consciousness or Severe Confusion: Emergency Alert Procedure
Summary
Experiencing a loss of consciousness or severe confusion can be alarming and requires immediate attention. These situations often arise from conditions such as head injuries, seizures, or shock, and it's crucial to know how to respond quickly and effectively. This guide provides clear steps to follow in these emergencies, ensuring the safety of the affected individual until professional help arrives.
What Is This & Why It Matters
This handout is designed to educate you on how to handle situations where someone loses consciousness or becomes severely confused. These incidents can occur without warning and may indicate a serious underlying problem that needs immediate medical evaluation. Understanding how to respond promptly can make a significant difference in the outcome for the person affected.
What You Should Do
- Call 911 immediately if someone loses consciousness or is severely confused.
- Check if the person is breathing. If not, begin CPR if you are trained.
- Gently place the person in the recovery position (on their side) if they are breathing, based on AMA 2024 guidelines.
- Look for any medical alert jewelry or information that might indicate an underlying condition.
- Stay with the person until emergency services arrive, offering reassurance.
- Keep note of any changes in their condition or behavior to report to medical personnel.
- If safe, remove any nearby objects that might cause harm during a seizure.
- Ensure the area around the person is safe and free from potential hazards.
What You Should NOT Do
- Do not attempt to move the person if you suspect a neck or spinal injury.
- Avoid giving the person anything to eat or drink until fully conscious.
- Refrain from leaving the person alone at any point during the episode.
- Do not try to wake them by shaking vigorously or slapping.
- Avoid placing anything in their mouth during a seizure.
- Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking help.
- Refrain from assuming that consciousness will return quickly without intervention.
Symptoms: Normal vs Warning Signs
Normal (Don't Worry)
- Brief disorientation after regaining consciousness.
- Slight headache once awake again.
- Mild confusion about recent events.
- Feeling tired or needing to rest afterward.
- Temporary dizziness upon standing.
Call Your Doctor If...
- Unconsciousness lasting more than a minute without regaining alertness.
- Difficulty breathing or blue lips/skin color.
- Persistent severe headache following an injury.
- Repeated vomiting after regaining consciousness.
- Seizures lasting more than five minutes or multiple seizures in a row.
- Uneven pupils or unusual eye movements.
- Weakness on one side of the body after waking up.
- Confusion that persists for more than an hour after regaining consciousness.
- Any clear fluid leaking from ears or nose following a head injury.
FAQ
What should I do if someone faints but wakes up quickly?
Ensure they sit down safely, offer water if they're fully alert, and monitor for any signs of distress. Seek medical advice if they're unsteady.
Is it normal for someone to feel confused after waking up from unconsciousness?
Yes, brief confusion is common. However, if confusion persists, seek medical evaluation.
Should I always call 911 when someone loses consciousness?
Yes, it's crucial to call 911 as this can be indicative of serious conditions requiring immediate attention.
What if I'm alone and witness someone lose consciousness?
Immediately call 911, provide details about your location, and follow dispatcher instructions until help arrives.
How can I tell if someone is having a seizure?
Common signs include sudden stiffness, jerking movements, loss of awareness, and unusual eye movements. Protect them from harm and call 911.