1. Determine ABCs
ABC stands for airway, breathing and circulation. If you are participating in a sport and a player becomes unconscious, the first thing to do is determine if she is breathing. Look at her chest to see if it rises and falls, or place a hand on it to feel for chest movement. Put your ear to her nose to listen for breath sounds. Check for a pulse to determine if there is a heartbeat. If your teammate is not breathing or does not have a pulse, start CPR and have someone call 911. Continue CPR until help arrives or your teammate regains a pulse and starts breathing on her own.
2. Look for Signs of Injuries
People become unconscious while participating in sports for various reasons. For example, problems with blood sugar, cardiac arrest, heat exhaustion and head injuries can all cause a person to lose consciousness while playing sports. Look for signs of trauma to the head such as bleeding or bruising. Keep in mind that it's possible your teammate hit his head after falling to the ground. Check for a medical alert bracelet that would indicate a chronic condition such as diabetes. Look for signs of heat stroke such as very hot skin and a fast, weak pulse.
3. Stabilize the Head
When someone is knocked unconscious due to a blow to the head, it's possible the neck was involved. Moving the neck can cause further damage. Place one hand on each side of the head at ear level and hold the person's head until medical assistance arrives. This will stabilize the neck and prevent the injured person from moving it if she regains consciousness. If a cervical collar is available, place it on the injured person. Even if it is unlikely that a neck injury has occurred, it's better to take precautions just to be on the safe side.
4. Help Is on the Way
Although it's possible a teammate became unconscious from something minor, such as fainting due to low blood pressure or dehydration, he should be checked out. Call an ambulance if your teammate does not regain consciousness in a minute or so. Stay with him until help arrives. Put a blanket or jacket over him to keep him warm. Don't attempt to move him. If your teammate does come to, take him to the emergency room just to be safe. Don't let him drive himself until it's determined what led to the loss of consciousness.
