Before continuing, see the note on the use of this Guide

Fainting:

• If you see that a person is passing out, help him not to fall sharply.
• You can lie the person on his side with his legs and arms flexed (as long as you don't suspect the person has fractures or spinal cord injury or skull).
• If the person suffers severe bleeding, take appropriate measures.
• You can lift the person's legs about 30 degrees if you suspect he has a glucose decompensation, arterial hypotension or dehydration.
• If it is cold, cover the person with a blanket or garment, do not cover his face.
• If the person begins to react (babble, cough, move) is a good sign, give him time to recover.
• If the person regains consciousness, invite him to continue resting, not pressuring him to sit or lift. You better wait for medical services.
• Ask questions and try to assess the mental state of the person. Reassure the person

Degree of alert

The loss of consciousness is also called a state of coma or fainting (when it lasts a few minutes). The state of consciousness can be verified by calling the person (by name if the person knows) and moving his shoulder a little. Watch your reaction to determine your degree of alert.

• If the person does not respond , call 911 immediately (emergency line)
• The person has no reaction:
• Check if the person is breathing by observing his or her abdomen trying to see the natural movement of the breath, if not, see suffocation.
• Check if the person has a pulse by touching his (carotid) neck or wrist. If the person does not show these signs, apply  cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• The person has seizures, his body is involuntarily agitated, see seizures.
• The person does not react but breathes and has a pulse. Follow the procedures in case of fainting
• The person reacts to pain with groans, gestures or movements, even when he or she is not fully aware. Follow the procedures in case of fainting
• The person babbles sounds or words but does not fully regain consciousness. Follow the procedures in case of fainting
• Confusion status: the person cannot answer questions such as name, date or age.

Altered states of consciousness are also considered medical emergencies and may be due to drug abuse (alcohol, opiates, cocaine, inhalants, barbiturates, etc.) in which case they should be treated as types of poisoning.

In case of unconsciousness what not to do..

• Do not provide food or drink of any kind to an unconscious or semi-conscious person.
• Do not try to resuscitate the person by spraying water, by blows or with sudden movements.
• Do not move the person if there is a possibility of damage to the spine or skull.
• Do not place a pillow or other object under the head of the person, as this makes breathing difficult.
• Do not leave the person alone (unattended).

Causes

There are many causes that can cause a loss or alteration of consciousness.

• Heart attack. It may be due to myocardial infarction, heart disease or having suffered an electric shock.
• Choking or lack of oxygen can be due to airway obstruction, suffocation: (bronchitis, anaphylactic shock), or drowning.
• Hemorrhague. excessive blood loss can lead to hypovolemic shock with loss of consciousness.
• Hypoglycemia . Low blood sugar levels. It can occur in diabetic patients, athletes or for lack of food.
• Arterial hypotension. Low blood pressure.
• Dehydration due to excess heat, physical activity (sports) and not drinking enough water
• Mental disorders. Some mental disorders can cause epileptic conditions with loss of consciousness, seizures or altered states. In other cases, deterioration of the nervous system can lead to ataxia.
• Brain stroke, either due to lack of circulation or hemorrhage in the brain.
• Drugs abuse. they can alter the state of consciousness producing different effects depending on the drug administered.
• Toxics and poisons.