Unconsciousness

Table of Contents

Unconsciousness is a state where a student is unresponsive to their surroundings and stimuli, essentially lacking awareness and the ability to wake up on their own.

Unconsciousness may have many causes including:

  • Injuries.
  • Blood loss/shock.
  • Poisoning.
  • Severe allergic reaction.
  • Severe low blood sugar.
  • Heat exhaustion.
  • Illness.
  • Fatigue.
  • Not eating.

Actions

  1. If you know the cause of the unconsciousness, follow the student’s emergency action plan and contact the school nurse, parents and emergency services (if applicable).
  2. If the student stops breathing, and no one else is available to call EMS, administer CPR for 2 minutes and then call EMS yourself.
  3. Stay with the student until help arrives.
  4. Document the date and time, any delegated or certified interventions provided, observations, student response to intervention (if applicable), and your signature and credentials (if applicable).
  5. Follow any additional school or program procedure(s).
  6. Debrief with the school nurse.