On discovering an unconscious patient of unknown cause, which action is most appropriate first?

• A. Verify scene safety and call for ALS
• B. Check blood pressure
• C. Check blood glucose
• D. Obtain a 12-lead ECG

Answer: (C)

When you find an unconscious patient of unknown cause, you want to quickly identify a reversible problem that could be driving the condition. Checking blood glucose with a rapid finger-stick test is the fastest way to screen for hypoglycemia, a common and potentially life-threatening cause of unconsciousness. If the reading is low, you can administer glucose immediately, which may rapidly restore consciousness and prevent deterioration. A normal glucose reading allows you to continue the primary survey and other assessments, but the glucose result still guides immediate management and helps avoid missing a treatable cause. While scene safety and summoning advanced help are essential, the glucose check provides the most immediate, actionable information among these options.