How to recognize and care for an injured or ill with decreased levels of responsiveness...

Recognizing and caring for an injured or ill person with decreased levels of responsiveness

Head, neck, and back injuries can often cause decreased levels of responsiveness, by damaging bone and soft tissue, including the brain and spinal cord. Illnesses, fever, poisoning, stroke, and other conditions can also affect brain function, and are to be considered life-threatening conditions.

Responsiveness and the Conscious Victim

Consider three areas in recognizing that a person has decreased responsiveness:

o       Verbal Clues

§         Can the victim clearly tell you what happened and how he/she is feeling

§         Can the victim focus his/her eyes on you appropriately while you are talking

§         Can the victim respond appropriately when you ask him/her to move body parts that do not hurt, while you assess him/her

§         Ask the victim if they know what day and approximately what time it is

§         Ask the victim where he/he is

§         Ask the victim his/her name

o       Physical Clues

§         Inability to focus

§         Faintness

§         Confusion

§         Weakness

§         Lack of physical coordination in walking or handling objects

§         Dizziness

o       Progression

§         Do any of these conditions seem to develop over time

§         Do any of these conditions seem to grow more pronounced over time

Responsiveness in the Semi-Conscious, or Unconscious Victim

If a person is unconscious (non-responsive), or is having any difficulty maintaining an alert, clear, conscious state, CALL 911 – EMS IMMEDIATELY!

Caring for the Victim

o       Help the victim sit or lie down in a comfortable position

o       Help the victim remain calm and comfortable

o       Assure that the victim does not become overheated or chilled, while awaiting EMS arrival

o       Continue to monitor (check on) the victim, and note any progression of the problem, while awaiting EMS arrival

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