Unconscious Person

After you've determined that it is safe for you to enter the accident area, approach the victim. As you do, look for signs of life. Determine if the victim is breathing. If spine or neck injury is suspected, don't move the victim unless there's a threat of fire, explosion, or other life-threatening danger. Tap the victim on the shoulder and ask, "Are you OK?"

For a person found unconscious, consider this a true medical emergency. Call for medical assistance (6911 on campus, 911 off) as soon as it is determined that the victim is unconscious, then check the ABC's, if you're trained in CPR, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. (ABC's - Airway, Breathing, and Circulation).

There are hundreds of other possible causes of unconsciousness, but the first thing you must check for is breathing. Doing this is crucial if there's a chance the victim isn't breathing or the heart has stopped. Certain life-sustaining techniques may be required, and that's why it's important to be sure help is on the way before starting CPR.