Loss of consciousness

Information to which you should pay special attention

The following information is not a substitute for a first aid course. Many organizations offer first aid training covering the steps to take when someone is unconscious (including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with rescue breathing). Your municipality or local CLSC can provide information on courses in your area.

A child who has lost consciousness will be immobile, limp, and unresponsive when you touch her or call her name.

Your child is breathing?

  1. She suffered a blow to the head, neck, or torso – Don’t move her;
    She did not suffer a blow to the head, neck, or torso – Turn her on her side.
  2. Call 9-1-1. The operator will tell you what to do.

Your child isn’t breathing

  1. Call for help and make sure someone calls 9-1-1.
  2. Do the manoeuvres described below. The 9-1-1 operator can guide you.

Manœuvres

Essential information to remember

A person trained in first aid should favor manoeuvres with ventilation.

  1. Place your child on her back on the floor.
  2. Press her chest firmly toward the floor, then release to allow it to return to its normal position.
  3. Repeat the compression and release in a rapid and continuous up-and-down motion until your child responds or breathes or until help arrives.

The next page shows how to do it, depending on the age of the child.

Child under age 1

Illustration: Audrey Malo

Press down on the middle of the chest with 2 fingers, just below an imaginary line between the nipples.

Child age 1 or older

Illustration: Audrey Malo

Press down on the middle of the chest with the palm of your hand, between the nipples.

Information to which you should pay special attentionTake your child to the emergency room when they regain consciousness because there could still be complications.