Hypoglycemia in an alert casualty with access to sugar: what should you do?

Prepare for the ATP 4-02.11 – First Aid Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

When someone is hypoglycemic but still alert and able to swallow, the goal is to raise the blood glucose quickly with a fast-acting carbohydrate. About 15–20 grams of sugar is enough to start this rise, and it's best given in forms that act fast, such as glucose tablets, glucose gel, juice, or a sugary drink. A full meal won’t help quickly enough during an acute low, and insulin would make the situation worse.

After giving the carbohydrate, check the person again in about 15 minutes. If their symptoms improve and they’re now able to maintain themselves, you can continue to monitor and offer a small snack to help sustain the level. If there’s no improvement after 15 minutes, evacuate for medical evaluation and consider repeating the 15–20 gram dose. If the person becomes unconscious or cannot swallow, seek urgent medical help immediately and follow your training for more advanced treatment.