How many people are CPR trained? How many people in the room know what to do if their family member becomes unconscious? I’m going to demonstrate the correct method on how to assess an unconscious person. I personally am a Medic First Aid Facilitator for my company, qualifying employees in the use of CPR/first Aid. The circle of care, as it is called, is the first step in assessing; it consists of the letters SETUP. S, standing for the first action, STOP, don’t enter an Environment that your unfamiliar with. Next is Traffic, beware of the hazards on and off traveled highways. U, stands for the Unknowns, entering into an area without knowing your limitations is hazardous.
P, stands for Protect yourself, Make sure you have your protective barriers before handling an individual your not familiar with. The second step consists of assessing what is known as the ABC’s, the airway, breathing, and circulation. Check the airway by looking inside the mouth for any obstruction, food, dentures, liquids, or even a retainer. Place your ear near the individual’s mouth listening for sign of breathing and looking at the plane of their chest for it to rise and fall. Placing your index and middle finger on the windpipe and slide them over about an inch check circulation. After assessment, it’s time to activate an emergency call to 911.
Assign somebody to make the 911 call and to return to you when they ” re done, this assures that the call has been made, and medical attention is on the way. Stay with the individual until medical help arrives, keeping them safe from further harm.