How to treat a concussion or unconsciousness

When someone falls unconscious or suffers a concussion, they'll need someone on-hand who knows what to do. It could save their life. Here's some ways you can help:

The first priority is to avert the risk that the casualty's tongue will fall back and block their windpipe, or that they will choke on saliva or vomit. Here's how to check their breathing, and what to do when you know either way:

• Lie the person on their back and kneel by their shoulder.
• Place one hand on the forehead and tilt their head back so the mouth falls slightly open.
• While still holding the forehead, use two fingers of the other hand to lift the point of the chin, which moves the tongue away from the back of the mouth.
• Put your ear to the patient's mouth and nose and listen for breathing. Look to see if the chest is moving.
• If the casualty isn't breathing, call the emergency services or send someone to do so. Ask them to confirm that the call has been made. Begin cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you've been taught by a certified professional.
• If the casualty is breathing, treat any conditions that affect blood circulation. Place them in the recovery position and call for emergency help. Then, monitor their breathing and circulation closely.

If a blow to the head has rendered someone briefly unconscious, or they're staggering or looking dazed and confused, suspect a concussion.

• If the person's unconscious, don't move them. Call for an ambulance.
• If the person's conscious, help them to sit up and place a cold pack of ice wrapped in a clean cloth on any injury to reduce swelling. Call an ambulance if the patient's condition deteriorates.
• Get the patient assessed by a doctor even if they were only unconscious for a few moments.
• Continue to monitor the patient's condition. They should rest under supervision for 24 hours. Call the doctor or an ambulance if they suffer nausea or vomiting, visual disturbance, breathing difficulties or disorientation.

Get properly trained in CPR, know the warning signs and seek medical attention if you encounter these situations. It could save a life.