Levels of Consciousness

A first aider should use the following to recognise and record a casualty’s level of consciousness.

• A – Alert/Awake
• V – Verbal/Voice
• P – Pain
• U – Unresponsive

AVPU is a quick and easy way to assess a person’s level of consciousness.

• If the person is fully awake and talking to you, they are ‘A’
• If the person is not fully awake, check if they respond to your voice. If they can respond they are a ‘V’
• If they don’t respond to your voice, Check if they respond to painful stimulus, this can include sternum rubs or earlobe pinching. If there is a response, they are a ‘P’
• Should the casualty not respond to any of the above they are a ‘U‘