Assessing an unconscious patient: essential techniques

Knowing how to quickly assess an unconscious patient is crucial for medical practitioners. This skill can make the difference between life and death. What are the steps to follow to ensure a safe and effective assessment? This article details the fundamental techniques and best practice for first line responders, in line with training programmes such as BLS AED SRC, IAS 1 and IAS 2.

First steps and assessment of the scene

When faced with an unconscious patient, your first task is to assess the safety of the scene. This is essential to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Make sure there are no imminent dangers, such as fires, gas leaks or traffic hazards. Once the area is secure, approach the patient to assess his or her condition.

Techniques for checking vital signs

The initial assessment of an unconscious patient begins with checking vital signs: breathing and pulse. Look at the patient’s chest to see if it is rising and falling, and listen for any breathing sounds. Check the pulse at the carotid artery on the side of the neck to see if the heart is beating and how often. If the patient is not breathing normally and has no pulse, immediately start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and ask for help.

Use of ABC techniques: Airway, Breathing, Circulation

Follow the ABC method for a systematic assessment:

Airway: Make sure the patient’s airway is not obstructed. Raise the chin slightly and tilt the head back to open the airway.
Breathing: Check breathing. If the patient is not breathing or breathing is abnormal, prepare to administer rescue breaths.
Circulation:After establishing that the airway is clear and breathing is effective, assess circulation. Check skin colour, temperature and presence of bleeding.

Rapid neurological assessment

Use the AVPU scale to quickly assess the patient’s level of consciousness:

A (Alert):Is the patient alert?
V (Voice):Is the patient responsive to voice?
P (Pain):Is the patient responsive to pain?
U (Unresponsive): Is the patient completely unresponsive?
This rapid assessment helps to determine the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate medical intervention.

Preparation for medical transport

If the patient requires hospitalisation, prepare him/her for transport. Stabilise the patient while continuing to monitor vital signs. Make sure all emergency equipment is ready and accessible. Finally, inform the hospital’s medical staff about the patient’s condition and the operations carried out.

Action summary and follow-up

Summarise the key stages and observations made during the patient assessment. This summary will help to inform the healthcare professionals who will take over and ensure effective continuity of care. The skills discussed are an integral part of training programmes such as the BLS AED SRC, IAS 1 and IAS 2, which are essential for all medical practitioners.