Check for consciousness

To check another person for consciousness, tap or gently shake him or her and shout, "Are you okay?"

A person who faints (syncope) usually regains consciousness within 2 minutes. After fainting, a person usually is not confused. After a seizure or a head injury, a person who has been unconscious usually is confused.

If a person has fainted, emergency care usually is not needed. However, it is important to evaluate the person for other symptoms that may need medical attention and injuries that may have occurred if the person fell when he or she fainted.

Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: February 27, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
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