If you need immediate help,
please dial 911

Attempted Suicide / Person is Unconscious

How To Help Someone Who Has Attempted Suicide & Is Unconscious

Call 911

Check Heart Rate (what do you do when someones heart rate is abnormal - beating really fast or beating really slow?)

Check for breathing (if not breathing, click here)

How To Help Someone Who Is Not Breathing

How To Help Someone Who Is Bleeding

How To Help Someone Who Is Seizing

First Aid

  • Call or tell someone to call 911

  • Check the person's airway, breathing, and pulse frequently. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.

  • If the person is breathing and lying on the back, and you do not think there is a spinal injury, carefully roll the person toward you onto the side. Bend the top leg so both hip and knee are at right angles. Gently tilt the head back to keep the airway open. If breathing or pulse stops at any time, roll the person on to his back and begin CPR.

  • If you think there is a spinal injury, leave the person where you found them (as long as breathing continues). If the person vomits, roll the entire body at one time to the side. Support the neck and back to keep the head and body in the same position while you roll.

  • Keep the person warm until medical help arrives

  • If you see a person fainting, try to prevent a fall. Lay the person flat on the floor and raise the feet about 12 inches.

  • If fainting is likely due to low blood sugar, give the person something sweet to eat or drink when they become conscious

DO NOT

  • Do NOT give an unconscious person any food or drink

  • Do NOT leave the person alone

  • Do NOT place a pillow under the head of an unconscious person

  • Do NOT slap an unconscious person's face or splash water on the face to try to revive him

When To Contact A Medical Professional

Call 911 if the person is unconscious and:

  • Does not return to consciousness quickly (within a minute)

  • Has fallen down or been injured, especially if bleeding

  • Has diabetes

  • Has seizures

  • Has lost bowel or bladder control

  • Is not breathing

  • Is pregnant

  • Is over age 50

Call 911 if the person regains consciousness but:

  • Feels chest pain, pressure, or discomfort, or has a pounding or irregular heartbeat

  • Can't speak, has vision problems, or can't move the arms and legs

Source: National Library of Medicine