Loading...
Civilian Emergency Platform
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person has suddenly become confused, disoriented, slurring speech, or behaving strangely and this is not normal for them.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — NOT EXPERT REVIEWED — NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — They cannot tell you their name, where they are, or what year it is.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Speech is slurred or they are saying things that do not make sense.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Behavior changed suddenly — this is not their normal self.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Confusion came on within minutes or hours, not gradually over weeks.
Scene hazards: Wandering into traffic, Falls, Aggressive behavior from confusion
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stay calm. Speak slowly and clearly: "Can you tell me your name?"
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Make sure they are in a safe place — away from stairs, traffic, or hot stoves.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Ask: "Do you know where you are? What day is it?"
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Check for one-sided weakness — ask them to smile and raise both arms.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If diabetic — if conscious and able to swallow, offer sugary drink or glucose.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 if confusion is sudden, worsening, or accompanied by weakness, severe headache, or fever.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112. Say: "Person suddenly confused. Not making sense. Started [when]."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Mention if you found weakness on one side, fever, or head injury.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Sudden confusion that is new for this person needs same-day emergency evaluation — it may be stroke.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT assume they are drunk or faking it — sudden confusion is a medical sign.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT leave them alone — they may wander into danger.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give food or drink if they are very drowsy or having trouble swallowing.
MYTH: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Confusion in elderly people is always normal aging
REALITY: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Sudden confusion in anyone — especially elderly — is often infection, stroke, or medication problem. It is not normal.
DANGER: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Family dismisses acute confusion as "old age" and delays treatment for stroke or sepsis.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Sudden confusion can be caused by stroke, infection, low blood sugar, head injury, drug or alcohol effects, or dehydration. Only a doctor can determine the cause.