First Aid Facts About Coma

Coma is a simplistic term for an altered state of consciousness in which a victim is unresponsive to verbal or physical attempts to wake him or her. Any sudden state of coma is a medical emergency and rescuers should call 911 immediately.

Causes of Coma

There are several medical causes of coma. One of the easiest ways to remember these causes is to use the mnemonic AEIOU TIPS:

• A - alcohol
• E - epilepsy or exposure (heat stroke, hypothermia)
• I - insulin (diabetic emergency)
• O - overdose or oxygen deficiency
• U - uremia (toxins due to kidney failure)
• T - trauma (shock or head injury)
• I - infection
• P - psychosis or poisoning
• S - stroke

AEIOU TIPS can be used to identify any condition that affects the brain.

• confusion
• seizures
• dizziness (vertigo)
• blindness
• paralysis
• severe headache

Treatment for Coma

Unresponsive coma is a serious emergency and is enough reason to call 911. Follow the ABC's of first aid while waiting for the ambulance:

1. A - Airway. Keep the victim's airway open. If the victim is breathing, put the victim in the recovery position.
2. B - Breathing. Make sure the victim is breathing normally. If the victim stops breathing, begin rescue breathing.
3. C - Circulation. If the victim is not breathing, there is a good chance the heart has stopped beating. Begin CPR.