Assessment of consciousness
ASSESSMENT OF CONSCIOUSNESS
First, you need to quickly identify the critical condition, so first assess consciousness. Carefully tap the victim on the shoulder and ask loudly: “How do you feel?” or “What happened?”
If the victim is conscious, their speech is articulate, which means the ABC principle is fully or partially ensured:
- there are open airways (A);
- they inhale enough air to speak (B);
- there is sufficient brain circulation because they can respond to questions (C).
Remember! Consciousness is the fastest criterion for applying the ABC principle and determining the necessity and severity of the condition.
So, if the victim is conscious:
- calm them down;
- try not to move them unless you or the environment are in danger;
- examine the victim from head to toe and provide necessary first aid;
- call emergency medical services.
If unconscious:
- call emergency medical services and request a defibrillator, provide a comfortable position for examination and assistance;
- perform initial resuscitation actions following the ABCD principle (see “Basic Life Support”).
If there are multiple victims, prioritize the unconscious and immobile victim or the victim bleeding.