This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Let's set a ubiquitous, medical legend to rest ("City worker to the rescue," June 3). Time and time again, a lay helper or reporter mentions that an injured patient was "kept alive/saved" by keeping them awake — based on the myth that if the patient goes to sleep, they'll die.

As an emergency, EMS and 911 physician, I can unequivocally state that this just isn't so. Whatever is going to kill the patient, happening inside their body, is not changed by urging them not to go to sleep.

With external or internal bleeding, shaking or urging the patient to "stay awake" can actually make the problem worse by increasing blood pressure, thereby pumping out more blood, which their body is working to preserve.

To help with "passing out," the best help is keeping their airway open – no pillows behind their head, simply keeping their head tilted back – not forward. "Helping" grandpa with a pillow, just hastens suffocating, when he needs oxygen the most.

This happens all the time and is a common, silent killer happening well before the EMTs or paramedics arrive. Every 911 dispatcher knows this and will so advise when needed. It's not "going to sleep," but what's causing your unconsciousness that kills you.

Jeff Clawson, M.D.

Salt Lake City