The unconscious patient is exposed to special hazards as the is dependant on reflexes auto protect his body and maintain respiratory and cardiovascular function and the reflexes are progressively lost as coma deepens. Until full consciousness returns the patient must be protected form these hazards in addition to those of the causative disease. The airway: Maintenance of a clear airway is the first essential. The tongue should be kept forward by a tube if necessary and the pharynx free mucus, if respiration is shallow or irregular it must be assisted. Peroration should be made immediately.