system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: When you've been critically injured, EMTs will often tell you to stay awake. Why is being conscious important in these situations?

Serious question. Would passing out lessen your chances of survival? Why? In what situations does this apply?

Thanks!
gpt
Losing consciousness isn't inherently harmful, but your ability to not lose consciousness is very important diagnostically. You're not being told to stay awake because if you don't, bad things will happen. You're being told to stay awake because if you can't, that's important information for your treatment.