What should you do if the casualty becomes unconscious?

When a casualty becomes unconscious, it is crucial to assess their condition quickly and effectively to ensure their safety and address any potential life-threatening situations. Checking their ABCs—Airway, Breathing, and Circulation—is a critical first step in this process.

Assessing the airway is essential because an unconscious person may be at risk of their tongue obstructing their airway, which can lead to suffocation. After ensuring that the airway is clear, checking for breathing is vital; if the person is not breathing, you may need to initiate rescue breathing or CPR. Finally, checking circulation involves looking for signs of a pulse and other indicators of circulation to determine if the person is in a critical state.

Engaging in this systematic approach provides the immediate information needed to decide on further care or interventions, such as calling for emergency medical help. Understanding the importance of these checks can guide you in effectively managing unconscious casualties until professional help arrives. This prioritization of actions when dealing with unresponsive individuals aligns with established first aid protocols.