If you found some one who was apparently unconscious would you know what to do? Would you panic?

The first thing to do is to check out the immediate area, carefully. You will only be adding to the problem if you rush over and become the second victim. Check to see if there are obvious signs of what may have caused the problem. Are there fallen power lines? Can you see leaking chemicals? Obviously the cause may not be visible but if it is then just ring the emergency services and wait for help.

If it seems safe go over to the victim. Talk as you approach to see if you get a response. If you are not getting a response pinch the ear lobe sharply. If they are truly unconscious you will get no response. Call the emergency services if they are not responding.

Now you follow the ABC, airways, breathing and cardiac.

Check to see if they are breathing, first visually, but you may need to place your hand close to their nose and mouth, or on the chest to see if it is rising and falling. If there is an obvious blockage to breathing then out hook it out and recheck.

Check for a pulse, the easiest place to do this is usually the wrist or neck. Check on yourself if you are unsure just where this is. Do not check the patient's pulse with your thumb, you will feel a pulse, your own.

If they are not breathing or have no heart beat you will need to do CPR. If you have not rung for help do so now.

Assuming they are breathing and have a pulse then it time to make sure they are safe. Recheck the immediate area for hazards. It is best not to move the casualty unless you have to do so to avoid further harm.

You need to turn the patient into the recovery position. Move them gently so that their arms and legs are straight. Now bend the farthest arm from you over their chest towards yourself. Take their farthest leg and bend it over the other one towards you at the knee. If you now pull gently on the shoulder and knee they should roll over into the recovery position. Try to select the side you are using to avoid pulling on obviously injured limbs, or leave them lying on an injury.

If you are small or they are large this may take help but it is easy to direct some how as to how best to help. Recheck the ABC and cover the casualty with a coat or blanket to keep them warm.

If someone shows up who knows more first aid than you let them take charge.Your first priority is to do no harm. Hopefully the emergency services will be here now and you can let them take over.

Learn more about this author, Eve Redstone.
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