First Aid International

Causes of Unconsciousness

Head Injuries

  1. Concussion

  2. Cerebral compression

  3. Skull fracture

Concussion

An injury to the brain – usually caused by a blow to the head. It is a temporary loss of consciousness and normally followed by rapid recovery.

Signs and Symptoms

  1. Seeing stars

  2. Temporary memory loss particularly of the events just prior to the incident

  3. Headache, vomiting

  4. Dizziness

  5. Lack of co-ordination

Treatment

  1. Assess the conscious state

  2. If unconscious place them in the lateral position

  3. If conscious continue to observe the casualty. noting any change.

  4. A doctor should rule out the possibility of other associated injuries

Cerebral compression

A condition of increased pressure inside the skull that compresses the brain tissue and disrupts brain function. It is caused by a significant blow to the head causing bleeding or the formation of a blood clot.

Signs and Symptoms

  1. Altered conscious state

  2. Irregular breathing

  3. Weakness on one side of the body

  4. Unequal pupils

  5. Flushed / red face

Treatment

  1. Call ambulance immediately

  2. Unconscious casualty – lateral position, observe ABC continually

  3. Conscious casualty – instruct the casualty not to move in case of spinal injury

  4. Monitor vital signs, and care for other injuries.

Skull fracture

A break in the continuity of the skull bone

Signs and Symptoms

  1. Bruising or lacerations

  2. Unequal pupils

  3. Bloodshot or black eyes

  4. Blood or fluid oozing from ear or nose

  5. Altered conscious state

Treatment

  1. Call ambulance

  2. If unconscious – lateral position and observe ABC continually

  3. If conscious – support the casualty in a half sitting position and continually monitor ABC.

  4. If blood or a semi-clear fluid is discharging from an ear place the casualty in the lateral position to allow the fluid to drain from the ear. Cover the affected ear but do not plug the ear canal. Monitor and record the vital signs.

Diabetes

The inability of the pancreas to produce insulin. Insulin is required to take sugar into the cells. There are two main types of Diabetes

  1. TYPE I - Juvenile onset - insulin dependent

  2. TYPE II - Mature onset - non-insulin dependent

When someone is diagnosed with diabetes they know they must regulate their diet and exercise at all times to avoid the sugar levels becoming either too high or too low. In the event that they over or under eat or exercise, the casualty will experience either:

  1. HYPERGLYCAEMIA: Too much sugar

  2. HYPOGLYCAEMIA: Too little sugar

Signs and Symptoms

  1. Dizziness

  2. Drowsiness

  3. Confusion

  4. Rapid breathing

  5. Rapid pulse

  6. Feeling and looking ill

  7. Altered conscious state

Treatment

  1. DRABC

  2. If the casualty is unconscious, place in the lateral position. Observe ABC and call an ambulance

  3. Look for an identity bracelet indicating the casualtys health concerns. i.e. a Medic Alert tag

  4. If the casualty is conscious, give sugar immediately. If no improvement call an ambulance without delay.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when an artery taking blood to the brain becomes blocked, narrowed or ruptured. This causes a disruption of blood flow to the brain and can cause the brain cells to be damaged and functions of the brain to be affected.

Causes

  1. Blood clots

  2. Bleeding from a ruptured artery, weak area in artery

  3. Head injury

  4. High blood pressure

  5. Fat deposits lining artery

  6. Tumour or swelling compressing the artery

Signs and Symptoms

  1. Looking or feeling ill

  2. Abnormal behaviour

  3. Weakness and numbness on one side of the body

  4. Difficulty talking or slurred speech

  5. Unequal pupils or disturbed vision

  6. Sudden headache and dizziness

  7. Loss of bladder/bowel control

  8. Confusion

Treatment

If casualty is unconscious:

  1. Place the casualty in the lateral position

  2. Observe ABC continually

  3. Call for an ambulance immediately

If casualty is conscious:

  1. Help casualty into the most comfortable position. Support the head and shoulders

  2. Stay with the casualty and monitor the vital signs

  3. Call for the ambulance

  4. Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink

  5. If drooling, position the casualty on the affected side down.

Seizures

A disruption in the brains electrical activity, marked by a loss of consciousness and often uncontrolled muscle movement. The seizure can range from a mild black-out to uncontrolled spasms. It occurs suddenly and usually lasts about 2-3 minutes.

Causes

  1. Injury

  2. Poisoning

  3. Disease (epilepsy)

  4. Fever (children)

  5. Infection.

Signs and Symptoms

The person may experience one of the following immediately prior to a seizure:

  1. an Aura

  2. unusual sensations

  3. strange sounds

  4. taste or smell

  5. Cry out

  6. Fall to the ground and have jerky muscular movements

  7. Have a congested blue face, froth at the mouth

  8. Loose bladder/bowel control (incontinent)

Treatment

  1. Do not try to stop the seizure

  2. Do not restrain the casualty

  3. Protect the casualty from injuring themselves

  4. Place the casualty into the lateral position as soon as the seizure diminishes

  5. Do not place anything between the teeth

  6. Occasionally the casualty may become incontinent – provide some covering for privacy.

  7. If casualty is an infant or child (do not cool the child by sponging with water)

You need to call an ambulance when:

  1. The seizure continues for more than 5 minutes

  2. Another seizure quickly follows

  3. The casualty appears to be hurt

  4. the casualty is pregnant

  5. The casualty has never experienced a seizure before

  6. The event takes place in the water
  7. The casualty does not regain consciousness
  8. You are uncertain of the cause.

Fainting

Fainting is caused by a temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain. Causing a partial or complete loss of consciousness.

Causes include:

  1. Emotional shock

  2. Pain

  3. Sight of blood

  4. Over-exertion

  5. Lack of food

  6. Standing in the one position too long in the heat.

Pregnant women sometimes faint when suddenly changing position.

Signs and Symptoms

  1. Feeling light headed

  2. Dizziness

  3. Pale, cool, moist skin

  4. Nausea

  5. Numbness or tingling in fingers or toes.

Treatment

  1. Assist the casualty to the ground to prevent further injury

  2. If the casualty is responding, leave them lying flat and elevate their legs 20-30cms

  3. If the casualty is not responding, immediately place them into the lateral position, observe ABC

  4. Loosen tight clothing at the waist and neck

  5. Do not give anything to eat or drink

  6. Advise the casualty to seek medical attention to determine the cause.

© First Aid International 2002

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