Altered Mental Status
Care for the victim with an altered mental status includes management of the airway and breathing and early activation of the EMS system. Generally, the recovery position is the best position for the person.
If there is indication of head, neck, or back injury, then the HAINES position should be used to keep the head, neck, and back inline. However, if the is no evidence of trauma and the victim is in a comfortable position on something like a sofa chair or in any position where there is no risk of them falling, then that would be acceptable. As long as the victim is breathing consistently they are alive, and CPR must not be performed on someone who is breathing. Sometimes if breathing is shallow or abnormal, and if the rescuers have the proper equipment and training, assisted ventilation can be provided. This can prevent the victim from going into full cardiac arrest.
Quite often the problem can be related to blood sugar levels, electrolyte imbalance, or other type of blood chemistry disorder. It may also be a stroke, medication over dose, or serious infection. Sometimes it can be difficult for EMS providers to determine what exactly is wrong, and in many cases the answer may only be proved after extensive hospital assessment. In any case, decreased level of consciousness is a true medical emergency and should prompt bystanders to call 911 or the local emergency number in addition to providing appropriate basic life support care.
Many people make that mistake of excessively moving the victim or guessing at what is needed and trying to provide unnecessary care. You should always understand “why” you are applying a particular skill before you apply it. The wrong application of first aid or CPR can have serious consequences. This is where training comes in. A basic level CPR first Aid class taught by qualified instructors can provide a wealth of information and build the confidence that is needed in and emergency situation.
There are a number of quality programs to choose from as well as independent instructors who are willing to come to your home or place of business to provide training and certification. It is generally recommend that training be a regular occurrence every couple of years. Many jobs require it, which is not a bad idea. In any case, proper training can ensure that you do the right thing if you ever have to care for a victim with an altered mental status.
Michael Morales EMT-Paramedic
For corporate training information
please contact us,
www.vitalethics@gmail.com
or click the link to see our CPR ACLS PALS Sacramento class calendar.
- Automated External Defibrillators
- Altered Mental Status
- Communicating With 911 Dispatchers
- First Aid Kit Essentials
- Good Samaritan Laws
- Natural Disaster Preparation
- Pediatric Chain or Survival: Prevention
- Pediatric Chain or Survival: Early CPR
- Pediatric Chain or Survival: Early Activation of EMS
- Pediatric Chain or Survival: Early Advanced Life Support